Frequently Asked Questions about the Missing Sullivan Children

Where and when were Lily and Jack Sullivan reported missing?

Lily, 6, and Jack, 4, were reported missing on May 2, 2025, from their home in Lansdowne Station, a small community in northeastern Nova Scotia. Police received a 911 call reporting that they had wandered away from their home on Gairloch Road.

What is the current status of the search for the children?

As of late May 2025, the extensive ground search has been scaled back, though specialized police units, including major crime and forensic experts, continue to be involved in the investigation. While initial searches focused on the area around their home, including a nearby pipeline where a boot print was found (though not confirmed to be one of the children's), and surrounding bodies of water, no confirmed sightings or significant evidence like the children's water bottle or t-shirts have been found. The RCMP has stated that it is unlikely the children survived six days in the dense woods, which has led to the scaling back of the physical search.

What are some of the challenges and observations noted during the search efforts?

Search and rescue teams have faced difficult terrain, including dense woods and steep banks, which has made the search challenging. Despite extensive efforts and over 10,000 hours contributed by search and rescue volunteers, they have struggled to effectively cover some wooded areas. Law enforcement has stated that it's possible to walk by a child in dense bush and not see them.

What have the children's family members said about their disappearance?

The children's stepfather, Daniel Robert Martell, stated that Lily and Jack have undiagnosed autism and don't typically stray far from home. He believes they left through a sliding back door and initially searched neighboring roads and culverts before the mother called the police. He has expressed that he feels the initial police response was not swift enough and has suggested the search should be expanded to monitor the New Brunswick border and nearby airports, speculating they might have been abducted. He and the children's mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, have spoken to the media and cooperated with investigators, including Martell providing his cell phone and agreeing to a lie detector test.

Why has the RCMP's Major Crime unit been involved in the investigation?

The RCMP's Major Crime unit became involved in the investigation shortly after the children were reported missing. This is considered standard procedure in missing persons cases involving children, particularly when the circumstances are unclear. Their involvement indicates that investigators are exploring all possibilities, including whether there was any neglect or if a crime was involved, such as abduction. Their presence suggests they are following specific leads and may know more than they can publicly disclose.

What have officials said about online speculation and misinformation surrounding the case?

Both law enforcement and government officials have addressed the harmful nature of online speculation and misinformation regarding the children's disappearance. Justice Minister Becky Druhan highlighted that the spread of inaccurate information is harmful to the families and communities involved in this traumatic event. There are legal avenues, such as the Cyber Protection Act and CyberScan, available in Nova Scotia to address concerns about information being shared. Moderators on online forums have also taken steps to remove speculation about the case to err on the side of caution and respect for the family.

What is the current status of the children's parents in the investigation?

The children's parents have been interviewed extensively by law enforcement, including the Major Crime unit. The stepfather has stated he has spoken to Major Crime multiple times, provided his phone, and agreed to a lie detector test. While missing persons cases are treated as suspicious until determined otherwise, the sources do not explicitly state that the parents are suspects, though the detailed questioning and the involvement of the Major Crime unit are part of a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the disappearance. Some online commenters have expressed suspicion towards the parents, while others defend them.

What items were noted as missing with the children, and why are some finding this significant?

When the children were discovered missing, their boots were gone, and Lily's white backpack with red strawberries on it was also missing. While some online commenters view the missing backpack as normal for children going on an "adventure" or taking snacks, others find it odd, suggesting it might not align with a simple "wandering off" scenario, and could potentially be more indicative of a planned outing or other circumstances.

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