Families of slain Taliyah Marsman, Sara Baillie express 'profound grief' at 'senseless murders'

The extendedfamily of a slain Calgary mother and daughterreleased a statement Friday expressing their "profound grief" at the "senseless murders" of Sara Baillie and Taliyah Marsman, while saying they in no way blame the police for the tragic ending.

"We all are feeling the most profound grief and sadness that stems from the inconceivable and senseless murders of both SaraBaillieandTaliyahMarsman, Sara's daughter," said the statement released through the Calgary Police Service "on behalf of theBaillie, Fredetteand Hamilton families."

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EdwardDowney, 46,was charged with two counts of first-degree murderThursday night afterTaliyah'sbody was foundon a rural property east ofChestermerelate that day, ending athree-day Amber Alert. Earlier in the week, her mother was found slain in thebasement suite thatshe shared with the child in the northwest neighbourhood of Panorama Hills.

"The families would like to extend their gratitude to the Calgary Police Service, who have devoted countless resources of hours, dedicated men and women and technology. Although our hopes and prayers may not have been answered, we certainly in no way, shape, or form blame the CPS," the families said Friday.

"In addition, to all those extended family members and friends far and wide and, of social media as well, all your words thoughts and prayers will continue to see us through these darkened times."

Police say the accused is known to both victims. Police originally said Downey also knew Taliyah's father, Colin Marsman Baillie's estranged common-law partner but said in June 2017 they no longer had confidence in that information.

Some members of the extended family had made emotional pleas earlier in the week. Her uncle Scott Hamilton had praised Baillieas a "beautiful young woman who was single-handedly pretty much raising her daughter," while joining others in pleading for Taliyah's safe return.

In the statement Friday, the families asked that all questions now go through police.

"At this point in time, we respectfully request that all media outlets respect the families' privacy."

Information on the memorial services will be announced in coming days, they said.

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