Missing Calgary girl's father has Halifax ties

The father of the five-year-old Calgary girl who is still missing after her mother was found slain in their apartment Monday is originally from Nova Scotia, says a detective with the Halifax Regional Police.

• 'It's a race against the clock': Amber Alert for 5-year-old Calgary girl in its 2nd day

Calgary police have said that the father, Colin Marsman, 36, who also goes by the last name Paris, has been co-operating with investigators.

No suspects have been named in the disappearance of Taliyah Leigh Marsman, 5, who went missing overnight Monday.

Marsmanissued a statement to the media today through a friend, pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

His estranged wife, Sara Baillie, was found dead in the basement suite she shared with her daughter, at 1111 Panamount Blvd., in Calgary, and police say the death was a homicide.

• Family of abducted Calgary girl Taliyah Leigh Marsman makes tearful plea for 5-year-old's return

"Those who know me best, know the person and kind of father I am, and know more than anything, I just want my baby girl back," Marsman saidin the statement sent out by his friend Gabriel Goree.

Goree told CBC News he and Marsman have been friends for more than 25 years and were close growing up together in Halifax, where Marsman attended Queen Elizabeth High School.

Halifax Regional Police Det. Shaun Carvery told CTV News on Tuesday that Marsman and he were friends growing up in Nova Scotia, andthey went to school together.

Carvery said everyone should be vigilant, even if the girl is likely still in Calgary.

"Look closely. If you see anything, anybody that remotely resembles her, call your local police department," he said.

"Let us know and then we can forward the messages on and we can hopefully find this little girl and bring her home."

Calgary police have said there is no reason to believe the girl has been taken outside the city.

They have said there was a "limited" history of domestic violence between Baillie and her estranged husband.

Marsman was the subject of conditions ordered in a peace bond since March, with Baillie listed as the complainant.

Calgary police have said they aren't convinced Taliyah was taken by a stranger, adding the girl could have been dropped off with someone who has yet to realize there is still Amber Alert for her.

'We love her, we miss her, and we want her back'

8 years ago

Duration 8:43

Family members of missing 5-year-old Calgary girl and her slain mother issue tearful plea

Taliyah is described as mixed-race with a slim build, brown curly hair and blue eyes.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.