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Five-Year-Old Calgary Girl Taliyah Marsman Has Been Found Dead

Edward Downey has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Police have recovered the body of Taliyah Marsman. Photo via Calgary police.

A desperate four-day search to find five-year-old Taliyah Leigh Marsman was called off Thursday night when Calgary police found a body they believe belongs to the missing girl.

The grim discovery, made on a rural property near Chestermere, east of Calgary, comes just days after Marsman's mom Sara Baillie, 34, was found dead in her basement.

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On Thursday, police charged Edward Downey, 46, with two counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths. Downey was known to both victims, according to cops.

Speaking to reporters, Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin said he was "saddened" by the result."

Marsman's family is "completely devastated, as am I," he said.

On Wednesday, Marsman's father Colin issued a statement begging for her safe return.

"With all my heart, I love her sooo much. She is my light! Please allow her to come home to her family."

Inspector Don Coleman said Downey has an extensive criminal history.

Coleman said he believes Marsman had already been killed by the time Monday's Amber Alert was issued to help locate her.

There are no other suspects at this time and police have not disclosed a potential motive for the murders.

Downey is scheduled to appear in court July 20.

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