By Canadian Press

Suspect in Calgary deaths had ‘criminally entrenched lifestyle:’ parole board

Jul 18, 2016 | 3:25 PM

CALGARY — Parole board documents say a man accused of killing a Calgary mother and daughter had a 20-year criminal history but didn’t pose a threat to society when he was granted full parole in 2010.

Edward Delten Downey is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sara Baillie and her five-year-old daughter Taliyah Marsman. The 34-year-old waitress was found dead in her home on July 11 and an Amber Alert was issued for the little girl. Police found Taliyah’s body late Thursday in a rural area just east of Calgary.

Downey had not retained a lawyer when he was charged and is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. None of the charges against him has been proven in court.

Documents from the Parole Board of Canada granting Downey full parole in 2010 say the 46-year-old’s criminal history began in 1990 with a series of convictions including possession of a credit card obtained by crime and possession of a restricted weapon.

“It is evident that you have been involved in criminal activity over the years; however, it has been sporadic at times,” said the parole board report dated May 2010.

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“Overall, you have relied on the use of prostitution and drug trafficking to support yourself; have been found in possession of loaded firearms and knives and sizable quantities of illicit drugs suggesting entrenched involvement in the illicit drug business on a commercial scale.”

At the time, Downey had been serving four years for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm.

The board said Downey had lived a “criminally entrenched lifestyle” despite a “positive upbringing, void of any physical abuse or substance abuse.”

The report said Downey had four children from previous relationships who lived with their respective mothers.

“You do not provide child support for your children.”

The board said Downey said he has never struggled with alcohol addiction but “gambling has been problematic for you in the past.”

But the board said he had “gained credibility and stability” during his partial release and didn’t appear to be returning to criminal activity. At the time, Downey had the support of a common-law wife who had recently purchased a business. While Downey was helping out with the business, the parole board stated he was also working full time as a truck driver.

“There is no information or indication that you have returned to criminal activity during this time,” the report concluded. “You have strong community support from your common-law wife and your sister.”

In granting Downey full parole, the board said it was satisfied “you will not present an undue risk to society given the progress you continue to make and the commitment to a positive reintegration you have shown.”

Police have said Downey knew both Baillie and her daughter but have not talked about the nature of their relationship.

— By Chinta Puxley in Edmonton

The Canadian Press