It’s been one week since Sara Baillie was found dead inside her northwest Calgary home, sparking an Alberta-wide Amber Alert that ended in tragedy.
It’s believed Baillie’s daughter, Taliyah Marsman, was killed just hours later.
The search for the five-year-old came to a heartbreaking end on Thursday after Calgary police found her body just outside city limits. The discovery has left her family, friends, police, and the community devastated.
READ MORE: Taliyah Marsman and Sara Baillie remembered at Calgary vigil
Thursday night, Calgary police charged Edward Downey with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths.
The 46-year-old remains in custody and will make his first court appearance Wednesday.
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According to documents obtained by Global News, the Parole Board of Canada didn’t feel Downey posed a risk to the public when he was granted release from prison six years ago.
“Overall, you have relied on the use of prostitution and drug trafficking to support yourself,” the board said in a written decision. “You have lived a criminally entrenched lifestyle… choosing to rely on criminal means to support yourself rather than find and keep legitimate employment.”
After weighing all evidence, Downey was granted full parole on May 27, 2010 and the board said, “The board is satisfied… you will not present an undue risk to society.”
The board noted Downey presented a moderate risk of violence to a partner and a low risk of violence towards others.
Downey was convicted of drug trafficking, weapons and prostitution-related charges and has ties to organized crime, with affiliations to a high-profile Canadian gang that originates out of Nova Scotia.
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READ MORE: Body of Taliyah Marsman found, Edward Downey charged with first degree murder
He is being held at the Calgary Remand Centre Observation Unit.
Police have still not released what the motive was in this case.
A funeral will be held for Baillie and little Taliyah at the Centre Street Church (3900 2 Street N.E.) on Thursday at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Missing Children Society of Canada here.
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