Newly Released Judicial Documents Reveal Details of Investigation Into Disappearance of Two Children in Nova Scotia

Recently released judicial documents have uncovered previously undisclosed information regarding the investigation into the disappearance of two young children from their home in northeastern Nova Scotia over three months ago.

The documents include initial findings from the police, including the discovery of a second part of a pink blanket believed to belong to six-year-old Lilly, found in the trash.

According to sworn statements by CPL. Charlene Jordan Curl of the RCMPS Northeast Nova Scotia major crime unit, the children were first reported missing at 10:01 am on 2 May from their rural home in Lansdown Station, NS, by their mother Malehya Brooks-Murray.

Brooks-Murray initially believed that the children had run away from home, but the exact timing of their disappearance was edited in her statement. The last sighting of the children was captured on video surveillance at a local store with Brooks-Murray and Daniel Martell, their stepfather.

Multiple Lie Detector Tests Conducted on Family

During the investigation, RCMP conducted polygraph tests on the parents of the children, with Martell’s test indicating truthfulness. The results of the tests led investigators to conclude that the disappearance of Jack and Lilly was not of a criminal nature at that point in the investigation.

Results from polygraph tests are not admissible in Canadian courts but are used as investigative tools. Additional tests were conducted on other family members, with varying results.

In July, forensic tests were conducted on a pink blanket found near the children’s home, confirming that it belonged to Lilly. The discovery of the blanket led to further searches in wooded areas near the home.

Tips Lead to Potential Witness

Police received numerous tips in the case, including reports of a potential sighting of the children with their biological father. One witness, Natasha Haywood, reported seeing two children matching Jack and Lilly’s description with an older woman and a vehicle.

Haywood’s detailed description of the children and the interaction with the woman and vehicle led investigators to follow up on the lead. However, none of the tips received thus far have resulted in locating Jack and Lilly.

The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the children’s disappearance.

This report is based on information from the Canadian Press and was first published on August 22, 2025.