All scenarios being considered, RCMP say 5 weeks after N.S. children disappeared

The investigation into the disappearance of two young Nova Scotia children, Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, has been ongoing for over five weeks now, and progress is slower than anticipated, according to a member of the RCMP’s major crime unit. The siblings went missing from their home in Lansdowne Station on May 2, triggering a massive search effort involving 160 search and rescue officials, dogs, helicopters, and drones.

The RCMP provided an update on the case, highlighting the various units and agencies involved in the investigation. Over 11 units are currently working on the case, including the major crime unit, digital forensic services, police dog services, behavioural sciences group, criminal analysis service, and truth verification section. Additionally, they are collaborating with the National Centre for Missing Persons, Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and other police agencies.

Despite extensive searches of the Pictou County property where the children disappeared, including the home, grounds, outbuildings, and surrounding areas, no new search areas have been identified. The investigation team has followed up on 488 tips from the public and obtained judicial authorizations to seize materials and devices for examination.

Investigators have collected hundreds of hours of video footage from the area, conducted formal interviews with 54 individuals, and administered polygraph tests in some cases. The focus is on gathering and analyzing information to understand the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Lilly and Jack.

While abduction is a consideration in the case, the RCMP emphasized that every missing persons case is considered suspicious. Developing a timeline of events leading up to the disappearance is crucial, and information from the days prior can lead to new investigative avenues.

The search efforts have included ground searches, underwater searches of bodies of water, and investigations along the pipeline trail where a boot print was found. The RCMP reiterated their commitment to locating Lilly and Jack and advancing the investigation, despite the challenges and time constraints.

The community continues to show support for the missing children, with a growing memorial outside the RCMP detachment in Stellarton. The investigation team remains dedicated to finding answers and bringing the siblings home safely.