The Guardian (Charlottetown)

Tearful plea for child’s return in Calgary

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Distraught family members are pleading for the safe return of a five-year-old Calgary girl whose mother was found dead in the basement suite where the two lived.

Scott Hamilton, uncle of the slain woman, is asking whomever has Taliyah Leigh Marsman to drop her off at a police station, a grocery story, a gas station — or anywhere else. He says the family will pick her up and no questions will be asked.

Police issued an Amber Alert overnight for the girl.

Hamilton says the child’s mother, Sara Baillie, was pretty much single-handedly raising Taliyah, who he described as much more mature than her five years.

He also said a deep bond existed between mother and child.

“Inseparabl­e,” he said of the watching two sisters at times get along.

“Sara worshiped Taliyah. The times that we saw them interact was marvellous. It was a very awesome relationsh­ip to see between a mother and daughter.”

Hamilton described Taliyah as “a vivacious, wonderful child, curious.”

She liked playing on her iPad and Hamilton’s wife, Marilynne, had recently taught Taliyah to ride a bicycle.

“The bicycle sits in our garage waiting for her to come back,” he said, his voice breaking.

Police say they aren’t ruling anything out in their search for the little girl.

“We have all the faith in the world that Taliyah will be found safe. Somebody who knows where she is, is going to step up and do the right thing,” Insp. Don Coleman said following the family’s news conference Tuesday. two. “Taliyah referred to Sara as Mama and it wasn’t necessaril­y like a mother-daughter relationsh­ip. It was almost like

 ?? CP PHOTO ?? Taliyah Leigh Marsman is shown in this handout image provided by the Calgary police.
CP PHOTO Taliyah Leigh Marsman is shown in this handout image provided by the Calgary police.

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