Authorities have unveiled new information in the case of two young siblings who disappeared from their Nova Scotia residence eight months ago.
Six-year-old Lilly Sullivan and her four-year-old brother, Jack, were last seen on May 2 at their home shared with their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, stepfather, Daniel Martell, and younger half-sister.
Since their disappearance, the police have been relentless in their search efforts. Investigative methods have included the use of cadaver dogs, polygraph tests, and the conduction of 75 interviews. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, approximately 1,000 tips have been collected by authorities, alongside the review of 8,000 video files.
Recently, some insights from these interviews have been disclosed, shedding light on the dynamics within the family.
In court documents obtained by CBC, it is noted that Martell described his relationship with Brooks-Murray as ‘good’, though he acknowledged recent disagreements over financial matters.
“He said they would yell at each other when they were fighting, but there was no physical violence in their relationship,” according to the documents.
Martell had previously suggested that the children might have exited the residence via the sliding back door while he and Brooks-Murray were attending to the baby.
Moreover, as revealed in court documents, Brooks-Murray was questioned by authorities regarding any history of physical abuse by Martell. CBC reports her reply indicating that he ‘would try to block her, hold her down and once, he pushed her’.
“She stated he would also take her phone from her when she tried to call her mom, which would sometimes be physical and hurt,” the documents mention.
RCMP Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon informed CBC: “I’m not going to comment on … anything being a factor.
“But I will say that any situation like that would be considered and followed up on by our people.”
The documents also reference the biological father of Lilly and Jack, Cody Sullivan, who reportedly has not had contact with the children for several years.
Regarding whether any family members are under investigation, McCamon added: “I wouldn’t say anybody’s a suspect. Again, we continue to gather information, whatever evidence that we are able to find, and we’ll make our decisions based on that.”
A statement from the Nova Scotia government outlines that a reward is being offered for information leading to answers in this case.
It states: “The Province is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information about the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.
“On May 2, 2025, the RCMP initiated a missing person investigation for siblings Jack and Lilly Sullivan after family members could not locate the children in their home or on the property in Landsdowne, Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
“Family members reported they last observed Lilly inside the home and could hear Jack on the morning of May 2, 2025. The investigation has confirmed that both Jack and Lilly Sullivan were with family members on the afternoon of May 1.”