CANADA Canada - Jack, 4 & Lilly Sullivan, 6, Vulnerable, wandered from home 10am, Gairloch Rd, Landsdowne Station, Pictou County, NS, 2 May 2025 #3

[Skigh]

In all fairness, I sometimes wonder why people even bother talking to the media following a crime or disappearance, rather than allowing the police give a briefing instead. Because it almost always follows the same pattern, each word, each sentence, each mannerism in critiqued and analyzed by SM, the interviewee never getting the opportunity to clarify. They’re not reading from notes and often their comments are fragmented, confused and don’t follow a timeline.

Better just to say nothing, but then of course that’s arouses suspicion too. There’s no right answer but it surely must be devastating for the innocent and grieving loved ones to have to endure online accusations from total strangers.
JMO

I think it is only when people pick up multiple inconsistencies that a person's words are closely examined.

 

[Ontario Mom]

It was a national “day" (Truth and Reconciliation). So businesses and banks could choose to recognize it and close too. jmo

Truth and Reconciliation Day is September 30th. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca

 

[MistyWaters]

I think it is only when people pick up multiple inconsistencies that a person's words are closely examined.

Perhaps but as a first time experience, being interviewed with involvement in a traumatic situation by a group of reporters isn’t anything most of us have ever experienced. So without actual evidence, as a juror I definitely wouldn’t toss the noose around anyone’s neck solely based on inconsistencies spoken during a media interview. I have no doubt the RCMP has grilled everyone closely involved by now, nobody’s confessed, no charges.

 

[Andromeda]

We do not have the equivalent of a Nancy Grace in Canada (thankfully!)

Actually, it’s too bad we don’t because wasn’t it Nancy Grace who had Billy Jean Dunn on her show and asked her, when addressing the rumour of them having a NYE party just a few short days after Hailey Dunn’s disappearance, if they watched the ball drop? BJD tried to dismiss the challenge by saying her and her boyfriend just had a few people in. On NYE. It was her ex who lived across the way who reported they were drinking.

 

[iamafiusny]

Perhaps but as a first time experience, being interviewed with involvement in a traumatic situation by a group of reporters isn’t anything most of us have ever experienced. So without actual evidence, as a juror I definitely wouldn’t toss the noose around anyone’s neck solely based on inconsistencies spoken during a media interview. I have no doubt the RCMP has grilled everyone closely involved by now, nobody’s confessed, no charges.

I've learned to have a lot of patience following missing person cases. It's often not what you thought.

But, you also start to see patterns in the ones that do end up with a guilty party, such as kids missing school.

This particular case has way too many red flags to ignore, imo.

 

[thispersonj]

Well, for what's it worth, I'm a mother of 6 and find it way past odd.

Jmo

Can't imagine what it would be like with 6-7.

I only have 2, very close to the ages of L & J, and could tell you what they're wearing 90%+ of the time with the odd exception where they've independently changed partway through the day or me being out of the home when they dressed, or whatever.

There was another mom of 2 in here who stated the exact opposite—that she was focused on other things during prep time. So, I think we can conclude that, despite our strong personal feelings and experiences, parents just differ on whether they can recall what their kids are wearing and it's not an indicator of better/worse parenting. Could be just a brain differences thing?

 

[MistyWaters]

Actually, it’s too bad we don’t because wasn’t it Nancy Grace who had Billy Jean Dunn on her show and asked her, when addressing the rumour of them having a NYE party just a few short days after Hailey Dunn’s disappearance, if they watched the ball drop? BJD tried to dismiss the challenge by saying her and her boyfriend just had a few people in. On NYE. It was her ex who lived across the way who reported they were drinking.

Ha! I recall a parade of people being interviewed on her show with incriminating information relating to the trial of Casey Anthony. These people were never seen or heard from again, and certainly didn’t testify during the trial.

A tragedy involving children, missing or deceased, should not become entertainment for the public.

 

[thispersonj]

In all fairness, I sometimes wonder why people even bother talking to the media following a crime or disappearance, rather than allowing the police give a briefing instead. Because it almost always follows the same pattern, each word, each sentence, each mannerism in critiqued and analyzed by SM, the interviewee never getting the opportunity to clarify. They’re not reading from notes and often their comments are fragmented, confused and don’t follow a timeline.

Better just to say nothing, but then of course that’s arouses suspicion too. There’s no right answer but it surely must be devastating for the innocent and grieving loved ones to have to endure online accusations from total strangers.
JMO

I wouldn't give a rat's about being criticized; I'd be trying to keep the pressure up, keep the story in the headlines, plead for their release, and communicate with my kids. I'd be talking to everyone with a mic. Self-consciousness wouldn't be a factor for me. (To each their own.)

 

[iamafiusny]

Can't imagine what it would be like with 6-7.

I only have 2, very close to the ages of L & J, and could tell you what they're wearing 90%+ of the time with the odd exception where they've independently changed partway through the day or me being out of the home when they dressed, or whatever.

There was another mom of 2 in here who stated the exact opposite—that she was focused on other things during prep time. So, I think we can conclude that, despite our strong personal feelings and experiences, parents just differ on whether they can recall what their kids are wearing and it's not an indicator of better/worse parenting. Could be just a brain differences thing?

Yes, some people are more observant than others in general without adding in stress.

Some things should be easier such as coats and shoes (at least shoes are mentioned in this case, I have been curious about coats. It doesn't sound like they took any. ).

I think younger is easier, too. They often have characters, bold patterns, favorites.

But I personally am not really bothered with not knowing what clothing they were wearing. Not seeing Jack at all is a giant, flashing, red flag to me.

Moo

 

[Skigh]

I've learned to have a lot of patience following missing person cases. It's often not what you thought.

But, you also start to see patterns in the ones that do end up with a guilty party, such as kids missing school.

This particular case has way too many red flags to ignore, imo.

I agree . I think our knowledge of other cases give us a list of things which make us feel uneasy and question whether the children did just wander off.

 

[vls12345]

Does anyone think it's possible the kids could have been purposely left somewhere?

This idea has nagged my thoughts since early in this case. Jmo.

 

[tlcya]

More than 180 tips had been received from the public, and officers had identified 35 people to formally interview, MacKinnon said, adding that those people included community members and "those closest to the children."
[snip]
In a followup statement, the RCMP confirmed that family members were among those being interviewed for the investigation, adding that questioning relatives was standard practice for a missing children case.
RCMP interviewing people closest to two children missing from rural N.S. community

DM has informed the public about his interview which is said to have lasted four hours. I feel it is safe to assume MBM has also had her interview and likely DM's mother who is said to reside on the property they were reported missing from. IF DM's brother also resides there odds are his has been conducted as well.

 

[MistyWaters]

I've learned to have a lot of patience following missing person cases. It's often not what you thought.

But, you also start to see patterns in the ones that do end up with a guilty party, such as kids missing school.

This particular case has way too many red flags to ignore, imo.

The police are certainly trained to spot ‘red flags’.

On the topic of missing school, I’d be curious of their attendance records. MBM said Lilly was behind other children. So did she like going to school or was it a matter of fighting tooth and nail? What of Jack? Rather than fight, some parents might have a tendency to give in to a pretend cough. IMO knowing of attendance would support how much of a ‘red flag’ existed.
JMO

 

[thispersonj]

A 4-year-old could easily be tall enough to turn stove or oven knobs, among other hazardous behaviors.

Totally depends on the individual kid's trustworthiness/mischievousness. I have never worried about what my kids are doing in the kitchen since they were toddlers because they've never messed with appliances, knives, etc. (I realize this could be taken as me being irresponsible and it only takes once but, by four and six, I think most parents know if they can trust their kids in certain rooms unsupervised.)

Yes, some people are more observant than others in general without adding in stress.

Some things should be easier such as coats and shoes (at least shoes are mentioned in this case, I have been curious about coats. It doesn't sound like they took any. ).

I think younger is easier, too. They often have characters, bold patterns, favorites.

But I personally am not really bothered with not knowing what clothing they were wearing. Not seeing Jack at all is a giant, flashing, red flag to me.

Moo

The weird thing for me is the backpack. Not that this is relevant but, I don't think my kids have ever taken their school backpacks out to the yard. They've got duotangs and spare clothes in them, for school. Or maybe this wasn't a school backpack. It's just a little bit of a "hmm" for me.

 

[Andromeda]

Perhaps but as a first time experience, being interviewed with involvement in a traumatic situation by a group of reporters isn’t anything most of us have ever experienced. So without actual evidence, as a juror I definitely wouldn’t toss the noose around anyone’s neck solely based on inconsistencies spoken during a media interview. I have no doubt the RCMP has grilled everyone closely involved by now, nobody’s confessed, no charges.

I don’t think the first public interviews would be presented and used as ‘evidence’ to convict. However, they could be analysed by LE when making decisions about the direction of their investigation. And they could also be used by lawyers for either side (offensively/defensively). jmo

"
Q - The parents say they believe the children were abducted. Police say they don’t have any evidence to suggest that. So, then, what options are left?

A- Chris Lewis public safety analyst - Well, what, why are the parents saying that? It would be the first question from the investigators. What makes you believe that? Because if they are, the police want to know. That uh the stepfather said very clearly that he’s been offered poly he’s offered to have polygraphs and he’s given them everything. So, there’s quite an investigation going on around the family. I’m not suggesting there’s anything untoward there; but, police are obviously following that part of it very closely. And, hopefully they’ll come up with something soon. This is just a tragedy extraordinaire. […}

 

[tlcya]

The police are certainly trained to spot ‘red flags’.

On the topic of missing school, I’d be curious of their attendance records. MBM said Lilly was behind other children. So did she like going to school or was it a matter of fighting tooth and nail? What of Jack? IMO knowing of attendance would support how much of a ‘red flag’ existed.
JMO

I wondered as well. When the topic of whether the children's teachers would be interviewed (I think they will) came up the other day it caused me to wonder what they might have to say. Did the children have good attendance or was it spotty? Did teachers have any niggling concerns about the children's safety or home life? Even if they didn't quite rise to the level of reporting to CPS?

With Jack being kept home even though not sick, was that a normal practice for the family? If one kids was sick the other didn't attend school that day either? If so why? The children rode the bus per article from Globe and Mail. So it's not as if the well one attending created any more inconvenience for the adults.

 

[iamafiusny]

The police are certainly trained to spot ‘red flags’.

On the topic of missing school, I’d be curious of their attendance records. MBM said Lilly was behind other children. So did she like going to school or was it a matter of fighting tooth and nail? What of Jack? IMO knowing of attendance would support how much of a ‘red flag’ existed.
JMO

Yes, the police are better trained and more experienced, but we wouldn't have a forum if we didn't discuss them ourselves.

I'm also curious about attendance records, but disagree that missing days before disappearance wouldn't still be a red flag regardless.

The only thing we have to go off is their school picture, which I think they look particularly happy in and can be seen here:

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7526454

Moo

 

[MistyWaters]

I don’t think the first public interviews would be presented and used as ‘evidence’ to convict. However, they could be analysed by LE when making decisions about the direction of their investigation. And they could also be used by lawyers for either side (offensively/defensively). jmo

"
Q - The parents say they believe the children were abducted. Police say they don’t have any evidence to suggest that. So, then, what options are left?

A- Chris Lewis public safety analyst - Well, what, why are the parents saying that? It would be the first question from the investigators. What makes you believe that? Because if they are, the police want to know. That uh the stepfather said very clearly that he’s been offered poly he’s offered to have polygraphs and he’s given them everything. So, there’s quite an investigation going on around the family. I’m not suggesting there’s anything untoward there; but, police are obviously following that part of it very closely. And, hopefully they’ll come up with something soon. This is just a tragedy extraordinaire. […}

Good Q and A! There’s no way the police are standing back leaving family members free to babble to the media, hoping if only reporters would ask more tough questions someone might admit to their sins.

The interviews that have been released were only the beginning, the foundation for police to build upon while furthering their missing persons investigation. I have total confidence it will be solved.

 

[MistyWaters]

Yes, the police are better trained and more experienced, but we wouldn't have a forum if we didn't discuss them ourselves.

I'm also curious about attendance records, but disagree that missing days before disappearance wouldn't still be a red flag regardless.

The only thing we have to go off is their school picture, which I think they look particularly happy in and can be seen here:

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7526454

Moo

I enjoy the discussion but I’ve learned not to let myself become convinced of anything involving true crime because more often than not, critical information is being held back. In the example of missing people/children the only info released is hoping the public can help locate or identify the missing, but not to solve who might’ve been responsible for murder, if that’s the reason the person is missing.

For example in this case we don’t know anything of the biodad or other close relatives on either side. Can you imagine setting out to investigate a case with total blanks in all those spaces?

 

[Andromeda]

Yet she wanted an Amber Alert. In an interview I recall that was because she claimed not everyone knew her children were missing. More “I want”s.

https://www.country94.ca/2025/05/04/search-enters-third-day-for-missing-children-in-pictou-county-n-s/#

The mother of the missing children, Malehya Brooks-Murray, has been calling for an Amber Alert, fearing for their safety.

“I want an Amber Alert for my children! I want my babies home,” Brooks-Murray said in a social media post.

<modsnip>

Generally speaking, the difference between an Amber Alert and a broadcast intrusive alert is on whom does the focus of police, investigators and the public at large reside. (abductor or vulnerable missing person). Other than that, the crisis is pretty much communicated the same way, except, aside from having to meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, the reach is more appropriate to the radius of the investigation.

What is an Amber Alert?​

The Amber Alert system provides the public with immediate and up-to-date information about a child abduction via widespread broadcasts on television, radio and wireless devices, and solicits the public’s assistance with the safe and swift return of an abducted child.

How is an Amber Alert initiated?​

In Canada, only law enforcement can issue an Amber Alert. They are sent out through the Alert Ready emergency alert system, reaching Canadians through several mediums (cellphone, television, radio).

What is a broadcast intrusive alert?​

A broadcast intrusive (BI) alert system is a component of Canada’s emergency communication infrastructure designed to reach the public instantly and indiscriminately in times of crisis.

How is a BI report disseminated?​

BI alert systems leverage several communication channels:

• Radio and television broadcasts (Emergency alerts interrupt programming to deliver urgent warnings. This ensures that listeners and viewers receive the alert in real time.)
• Digital displays (Road signs, transit screens and other electronic displays can be used to warn motorists and pedestrians of imminent threats.)
• Wireless alerts (Mobile phones receive emergency alerts, allowing people on the move to stay informed.)

Two children in Nova Scotia are missing. Why wasn't an Amber Alert sent out?

The search for Lily and Jack Sullivan missing in Pictou County entered a fourth day on Monday morning.

www.saltwire.com