*WARNING: Details in this article are graphic and may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion advised.
Family members of Sara Baillie and her five-year-old daughter Taliyah Marsman broke down as details of the injuries they suffered were detailed in court by an expert forensic pathologist.
Dr. Bamidele Adeagbo explained what he discovered from the autopsies of both Sara and Taliyah.
Jurors were shown autopsy photos of the injuries Adeagbo described.
Edward Downey has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sara and Taliyah.
Adeagbo told court Sara died of asphyxia, caused by neck compression and suffocation. Adeagbo described numerous bruises on Sara’s face, caused by “blunt force injury.”
Court heard she suffered trauma to most of her body, including her stomach and back, but noted those weren’t the fatal injuries.
“They are just part of the story,” he said, pointing to the neck injuries as what killed her.
He told court she had a fracture in the front of her neck.
“It’s a very important bone,” he said.
Sara was found dead inside of her northwest Calgary basement suite on July 11, 2016.
Court heard her body was hidden inside of Taliyah’s closet, inside a laundry hamper.
Following that discovery, an Alberta-wide Amber Alert was activated for Taliyah.
Her daughter’s body was found three days later outside the city limits by a Calgary constable who was leading the search.
Dr. Adeagbo said Taliyah died from asphyxiation.
Details of her injuries were too much for most family members, and many broke down before leaving the room.
He testified the manner of death was not determined but said it was likely from smothering or strangulation.
Adeagbo said Taliyah likely died on or before July 12, 2016, based on entomological evidence — she was found on July 14.
Adeagbo will continue his testimony Tuesday.
The trial is scheduled for three weeks.
Watch below: Ongoing Global News coverage of the Edward Downey trial
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