Edward Downey sentenced to life in prison, no parole for 50 years for killing Calgary mother and daughter

Edward Downey will have to serve at least 50 years in prison before he can apply for parole.

Queen’s Bench Justice Beth Hughes called Downey “callous and remorseless” in passing her sentence on Tuesday.

There were tears and hugging in the courtroom as the decision was handed down.

Hughes said given the facts of the case, consecutive parole ineligibilities are required.

In December, a jury found Downey guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Calgary mother Sara Baillie and her five-year-old daughter Taliyah Marsman.

Baillie was found inside her northwest Calgary basement suite on July 11, 2016. Taliyah’s body was found three days later, outside city limits, following an Alberta-wide Amber Alert.

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“The gravity of the offence, Mr. Downey’s moral blameworthiness, and his degree of responsibility are at the highest level,” Hughes said in reading her decision.

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“After kidnapping Taliyah, Mr. Downey planned and deliberated upon her murder for some hours before he killed her,” she said.

WATCH: Global News coverage of Edward Downey’s trial.

2:05 Edward Downey found guilty of first-degree murder in deaths of Taliyah Marsman and Sara Baillie

• Edward Downey found guilty of first-degree murder in deaths of Taliyah Marsman and Sara Baillie
• Family of Sara Baillie and Taliyah Marsman issue tearful statement after verdict
• Jurors hear closing arguments in trial of Edward Downey
• Accused double-murderer Edward Downey denies killing Calgary mother and daughter

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Outside court, Baillie’s uncle Scott Hamilton made a brief statement to the media.

“It’s been a long time to finally have the trial and sentencing completed for all of the family members,” Hamilton said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's been a long time to finally have the trial and sentencing completed for all of the family members," Hamilton said.

“Sara and Taliyah are always in our thoughts. We miss them dearly,” he added, thanking the Calgary Police Service, Crown prosecutors and Justice Hughes.

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Tuesday afternoon, Crown prosecutors Carla MacPhail and Ryan Jenkins released a written statement in response to the sentence.

“The Crown would like to thank the jury for their hard work and commitment through a long and difficult trial. The Crown would also like to recognize the tireless efforts of Det. Guterson and the members of the Calgary Police Service, as well as those members of the public who rallied to assist them in their investigation,” it read.

“Finally, the Crown extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Baillie and Taliyah, who suffered, and continue to suffer, such a tragic loss. The Crown hopes the verdict and sentence may bring them some measure of peace.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Finally, the Crown extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Baillie and Taliyah, who suffered, and continue to suffer, such a tragic loss. The Crown hopes the verdict and sentence may bring them some measure of peace."

Downey’s defence team declined to comment but said an appeal would not be uncommon in this type of case.

Downey will be well into his 90s when he will be able to apply for release.