Eight Months Later: New Details Emerge in Mysterious Disappearance of Missing Canadian Siblings

Court documents reveal family dynamics and extensive investigation efforts as search continues for Lilly and Jack Sullivan

Critical Information:

• Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, vanished from Nova Scotia home in May 2024
• Court filings disclose allegations of domestic conflict between mother and stepfather
• Extensive investigation includes 75 interviews, 12 search warrants, and analysis of 8,000 video files

Ongoing Mystery Eight Months Later

As law enforcement continues searching for two young siblings who disappeared from their residence eight months ago, newly released court documents provide fresh insights into their family circumstances and the comprehensive investigation.

Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were last observed on the morning of May 2nd at their Nova Scotia, Canada home, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The children resided with their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, stepfather Daniel Martell, and the couple’s infant daughter at the time of their disappearance, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

As of mid-January, the siblings remain missing, and recently filed court documents reveal additional details about their family dynamics and investigative progress.

Extensive Search Efforts

Comprehensive efforts made throughout the months since Lilly and Jack went missing have included grid searches of woodlands surrounding their residence, deployment of cadaver dogs, and administration of polygraph examinations, according to CBC reporting.

Investigators have additionally conducted 75 interviews, obtained at least 12 search warrants, and reviewed over 1,000 different tips and 8,000 video files, the outlet documented.

Family Relationship Details

The interviews disclose new information about Lilly and Jack’s family environment, according to court documents obtained by CBC.

During one interview, investigators questioned Brooks-Murray about whether Martell had ever been physically abusive. In response, CBC reported citing the documents, the mother stated “he would try to block her, hold her down and once he pushed her.”

“She said he would also take her phone from her when she tried to call her mom, which would sometimes be physical and hurt,” the outlet added.

Stepfather’s Account

The documents also indicate that Martell told authorities he and Brooks-Murray had a “good” relationship, though they had been fighting about financial matters recently, according to CBC.

“He said they would yell at each other when they were fighting, but there was no physical violence in their relationship,” the documents reportedly state, per the outlet.

Investigative Focus

The exact nature of the relationship between Brooks-Murray and Martell at the time of Lilly and Jack’s disappearance forms part of the investigation, RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon confirmed to CBC.

“I’m not going to comment on… anything being a factor,” he told the outlet. “But I will say that any situation like that would be considered and followed up on by our people.”

Biological Father Information

Beyond the children’s mother and stepfather, court documents also detail new information about Lilly and Jack’s biological father, Cody Sullivan.

The documents claim that Sullivan had not seen Jack or Lilly in a few years, but had historically provided child support. However, that ceased when he lost his job nine months before the children went missing in May, CBC reported.

Current Suspect Status

Speaking with the Canadian outlet, McCamon also stated that he is currently unable to identify any suspects.

When asked if any of Jack or Lilly’s family members are being investigated, the police sergeant said, “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.”

Investigation Classification

The May disappearance of Lilly and Jack has not transitioned to a criminal investigation. As authorities continue, however, it “could become criminal, and persons of interest in the disappearance of the children might be identified,” authorities stated in recently filed court submissions obtained by CBC.

Stepfather’s Account of Disappearance

Martell previously stated he suspects the two children exited through a sliding back door at the family’s Nova Scotia property, while he said he and Brooks-Murray were in their bedroom with their infant, CBC reported in May.

Public Search Efforts

A “Find Lilly and Jack Sullivan” Facebook page has remained active amid the eight-month search for the missing children.

Reward Offered

Authorities continue offering a reward of up to $150,000 CAD (approximately $107,000 USD) for any information about the siblings’ disappearance, according to a Nova Scotia government post.

Community Impact

The prolonged disappearance of two young children has deeply affected the Nova Scotia community, with continued public engagement through social media and ongoing tips submitted to authorities—though none have yet led to locating Lilly and Jack.

Investigative Challenges

The case presents significant challenges for investigators: no clear suspects, conflicting accounts of family dynamics, and the passage of eight months without definitive leads regarding the children’s whereabouts. The revelation of domestic conflict allegations adds complexity to understanding the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

As the investigation continues, authorities balance thorough examination of family relationships and dynamics against the urgent need to locate two young children who have been missing for the majority of a year. The extensive investigative efforts—involving numerous interviews, search warrants, video analysis, and physical searches—demonstrate the seriousness with which law enforcement is approaching the case, even as it has not yet yielded the breakthrough needed to find Lilly and Jack Sullivan.