After more than a week of searching, authorities have turned their efforts to finding those responsible for the disappearance of two missing children from Pictou County, Nova Scotia. They voice increasing alarm over the children’s likelihood of survival. Six-year-old Lily Sullivan and her four-year-old brother, Jack Sullivan, went missing on May 2. Since then, large scale search efforts have continued, featuring over 160 searchers, drones, and dog teams.
On May 3, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initiated a reinvestigated major crime investigation. This unprecedented step followed hearing about the siblings’ disappearance just days earlier. On the morning Lily and Jack disappeared, their mom, Malehya Brooks-Murray, and stepdad, Daniel Martell, told police the children were playing in their house. While at the same time, they were sleeping with their 16-month-old infant. When they woke up that afternoon, the kids were gone with no leads at all.
Search efforts have focused on a heavily wooded area of the county. Law enforcement have failed to find any substantial clues since the initial day of the search. Initially, investigators found a large boot impression at the crime scene. It gave no definitive tips on where the kids might be.
Sgt. Robert McCamon said time is running out to find the siblings alive.
“The likelihood they’re alive right now is very low,”
Despite this bleak vision, the RCMP still refuses to stop classifying all missing persons cases as suspicious until proven otherwise. The Canadian Armed Forces investigation is ongoing, said Staff Sgt. Curtis MacKinnon.
“I want to assure you that our missing persons investigation continues,”
He pointed out that most police officers are fathers, too. They all share a deep passion and desire to get Lily and Jack back to their family.
“Many of us have children of our own and want nothing more than to reunite Lily and Jack with their loved ones.”
Law enforcement has not ruled out the possibility that the kids went missing due to foul play. Search operations, investigators say, are being reduced because the chances of finding anyone alive is “low.” They’re continuing to be cautious and thoroughly investigate each new possible clue.
Martell, the children’s stepfather, has fought hard on his own credibility since the beginning of this nightmare.
“My story has been consistent. When you tell the truth it’s always consistent,”
The case is still under investigation. Local citizens and officials continue to hope for a miracle, despite the treacherous weather, and the 6 days since the siblings were first reported missing. The RCMP is requesting that anyone with information related to the case offer it.