Only one trial for former pimp accused of murdering girl and her mother, judge rules

Edward Downey will go to trial on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of a Calgary mother and her five-year-old daughter, after his application to sever the charges was denied by a judge.

SaraBaillie, 34, andTaliyahMarsman, 5,were killed in July 2016.

Justice Beth Hughes delivered her decision Tuesday after lawyers for both sides made arguments last month.

• Former pimp accused of murdering 5-year-old Calgary girl and mother wants 2 separate trials

Downey's defence team ofGavinWolchandMerylFriedlandhadasked the judge to allow his two counts of first-degree murder to be severed, which would mean he'd be tried twice.

The details discussed during the hearing which include the reasons argued by the defence lawyersandCrown prosecutorsCarlaMcPhailand Ryan Jenkinsare protected by a publication ban.

Trial to begin November

In July 2016, police were called to Baillie's home after she failed to show up for work. Officers discovered the mother's body in herbasement apartment in the northwest community of Panorama Hills.

An Amber Alert was activated for the child when investigators realized she wasmissing. About a week later,Marsman'sbody was discovered about eight kilometres east of Calgary neara rural road close toChestermere.

Downey was known to both victims, according to police.

His criminal history involves convictions for pimping, drug trafficking and weapons offences dating back more than two decades.

Following a preliminary inquiry last year,Downey was committed to stand trial on two counts of first-degree murder.

The three-week trial begins in November.