4 weeks after disappearance of N.S. children, stepfather remains hopeful
Four weeks after Lilly Sullivan, 6, and her brother Jack Sullivan, 4, went missing from their home in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, their stepfather, Daniel Martell, is still holding on to hope that they will be found safe and sound. The siblings disappeared on May 2, sparking a massive search effort that included over 160 search and rescue officials, dogs, helicopters, and drones scouring 5.5 square kilometers of dense woods in the area.
Despite the extensive search efforts, there has been no sign of Lilly and Jack. The RCMP’s major crime unit has been involved in the investigation since the day after the children were reported missing. Martell expressed his frustration and sadness over the lack of progress in locating the children, saying that every day feels like a nightmare without any evidence to provide answers.
In an interview, Martell emphasized that he has not lost hope and remains focused on bringing the children home. He addressed rumors circulating in the community, denying allegations of a drug party at the home before the children disappeared. Martell also revealed that he had requested a polygraph test from the RCMP, which he passed, dispelling any suspicions surrounding his involvement in the case.
The community of Lansdowne Station and the Municipality of the County of Pictou have been deeply affected by the disappearance of Lilly and Jack. Residents are feeling anxious and frustrated by the lack of answers, with many unable to sleep at night due to worry. Warden Robert Parker expressed the collective grief and concern felt by the community, emphasizing the need to find closure and bring the missing children home.
Support for Lilly and Jack has been demonstrated through gestures like placing flowers and stuffed animals outside the RCMP detachment in Stellarton. Recent developments in the case include confirmation from the RCMP that the siblings were seen in public with family members on the day before they went missing. Surveillance footage has been retrieved showing Martell, the children’s mother Malehya Brooks-Murray, their one-year-old baby Meadow, and Lilly and Jack together in New Glasgow.
Police have been actively seeking additional footage and information from the public, urging anyone with dashcam footage or video along Gairloch Road during the specified timeframe to come forward. With over 355 tips received and more than 50 formal interviews conducted, the RCMP continues to treat the case as suspicious until further information is uncovered.
As the search for Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues, the community remains united in their hope for a resolution to this heartbreaking mystery. Family members have refrained from speaking to the media, following advice from the police to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
