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

A former pimp heading to trial in October, accused of murdering a Calgary womanand her five-year-old daughter, wants two separate trials.

Edward Downey's lawyers Gavin Wolch and Meryl Friedland made the application before Justice Beth Hughes on Wednesday. After hearing arguments from both sides, Hughes has reserved her decision.

Sara Baillie, 34, and her daughter Taliyah Marsmanwere killed in July 2016. AfterBailliefailed to show up for work, police were called to herbasement apartment in the northwest community of Panorama Hills.

Officers discoveredBaillie'sbody and an Amber Alert was activated for the missing girl. After a week-long investigation,Marsman'sbody was discovered about eight kilometres east of Calgary neara rural road close toChestermere.

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Downey's defence team has asked 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 lawyers and Crown prosecutorsCarla McPhailand Ryan Jenkinsare protected by a publication ban.

Police have said Downey was known to both victims. The 48-year-old was already in police custody when investigators announced the girl's body had been found.

His criminal history involves convictions for pimping, drug trafficking and weapons offences dating back more than 25 years.

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

Hughes will make her decision on the severance application in March.

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