By Charles Lefebvre

Jury finds Downey guilty of two counts of first degree murder

Dec 19, 2018 | 3:41 PM

CALGARY, AB — A man charged with murdering a Calgary mother and her daughter in 2016 was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday.

Edward Downey was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder in connection with the murders of Sara Baillie and her five-year-old daughter Taliyah Marsman.

Downey had been on trial for the past three weeks. It took the jury less than three hours to determine the verdict, according to reporters covering the trial in Calgary.

Baillie was found dead in her home on July 11, 2016, while Marsman was found dead in a wooded area outside of Calgary three days later. During the trial, the jury learned both died from asphyxiation.

First degree murder carries an automatic life sentence of life in prison, with parole eligibility after 25 years. Eleven of the 12 jurors have recommended that Downey be ineligible for parole for 50 years, which the Crown is also recommending.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024