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

[MistyWaters]

Interesting that he said a liaison officer is keeping them both updated. I wonder how that works now they are separated, as presumably he doesn't have parental responsibility?

Where are you seeing any mention of parental responsibility? Just because he has no contact with the mother isn’t to say he has no contact with the child if it’s under supervised arrangements, if she has custody. Too many ifs!

Missing N.S. kids spotted day before disappearance, stepfather says he’s taken polygraph | Globalnews.ca

Lilly and Jack Sullivan, aged six and four, went missing nearly four weeks ago. RCMP confirm the siblings were seen in public the day before being reported missing.

globalnews.ca

“Despite not having had contact with the children’s mother, Maleya Brooks-Murray, since May 3 when she left the search area, Martell said an RCMP liaison has been assigned to keep them both informed as the investigation progresses.”

 

[MistyWaters]

“Need to know basis” for both parents I’m sure. What they’re telling him doesn’t have to be all the facts or even true. It wouldn’t help them to just cut him off. MO

I’m quite sure the parents would be informed in advance of RCMP updates to the public, such as today’s.

 

[Cedars]

There was a case in Alberta where a little boy went missing with his grandparents. They went missing on a day they had an estate sale in their home. You know how many people went through there?
They released no information, It felt like it would never get solved, and then when they made an arrest it showed all they had done.
video surveilance , and the person who did it, and all his history, wow

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-douglas-garland-triple-murder-liknes-nathan-obrien-medical-examiner-1.3961535

I recall that case very well and followed it closely.

Unlike this case, it was immediately clear that a crime had been committed:

Day 1: An Amber alert was issued, although they did not know what vehicle Nathan was in. "Investigators...believe [Nathan and his grandparents] did not leave the home voluntarily." Police reiterated that the grandparents were not considered suspects.

Deceased/Not Found Thread 'Canada - Alvin, 66, & Kathy Liknes, 53, Nathan O'Brien, 5, Calgary, 30 June 2014 - #1'

Jun 30, 2014

AMBER Alert issued for missing five-year-old from Calgary

Calgary police are investigating the disappearance of a five-year-old child and his grandparents from a home in the southwest and issued an AMBER Alert on Monday afternoon.

Police were called to a home in the 100 block of 38A Avenue SW at about 10:00 a.m. Monday by a mother who went to the home to pick up her son who was staying with his grandparents.

The three were not at the residence and have not been located despite efforts by police.


Investigators say evidence at the scene suggests their disappearance may be...

• Sillybilly
• Replies: 768
• Forum: 2010's Missing

 

[Dpdan]

Where are you seeing any mention of parental responsibility? Just because he has no contact with the mother isn’t to say he has no contact with the child if it’s under supervised arrangements, if she has custody. Too many ifs!

Missing N.S. kids spotted day before disappearance, stepfather says he’s taken polygraph | Globalnews.ca

Lilly and Jack Sullivan, aged six and four, went missing nearly four weeks ago. RCMP confirm the siblings were seen in public the day before being reported missing.

globalnews.ca

“Despite not having had contact with the children’s mother, Maleya Brooks-Murray, since May 3 when she left the search area, Martell said an RCMP liaison has been assigned to keep them both informed as the investigation progresses.”

He isn't Jack and Lilly's father. The report was taking about updates about the missing children, not their baby.

 

[Odeto BJ]

Bbm.
Yes, curious about that !
Why does the RCMP want security footage from the days before May 1st ?

The RCMP are not acting as if the kids wandered off, although they haven't stated definitively that they do not think it could've happened.
Everything is still on the table for LE, except I think -- a kidnapping (hence no Amber Alert)

I was thinking they were seen in a vehicle on security cameras, but both were asleep ?
So, a sighting doesn't mean they were sitting up or out walking around.
Imo.

Recent MSM indicates they were both seen on video and by witnesses on the 1st.
And the RCMP is known to operate keeping all findings and investigative techniques close to the vest.
If there is a party involved in such a disappearance and considering the limited window of time in which something nefarious could occur that was not witnessed or detected in any fashion, we would have to assume that some preparation would be required. Its possible LE is looking for indications of preparation prior to May 1st. Hate to suggest what such indications might include....
Just a thought. MOO

 

[craftybatchy]

From Global News article posted above:

In a Wednesday update, RCMP said they’ve confirmed the two were “observed in public with family members on the afternoon of May 1” based on details they’ve gathered. They later clarified that confirmation was made by both video evidence and eyewitness accounts.

Someone earlier mentioned a store. That would fit with having video and eyewitness.

Very interesting that the RCMP did not specify the identities of the family members with whom the children were seen. Imho, if the 'family members' were the parents, I think that would have been indicated in the press release.

 

[TwoBlueJays]

Very interesting that the RCMP did not specify the identities of the family members with whom the children were seen. Imho, if the 'family members' were the parents, I think that would have been indicated in the press release.

I was just wondering about that phrasing.

 

[MistyWaters]

I recall that case very well and followed it closely.

Unlike this case, it was immediately clear that a crime had been committed:

Day 1: An Amber alert was issued, although they did not know what vehicle Nathan was in. "Investigators...believe [Nathan and his grandparents] did not leave the home voluntarily." Police reiterated that the grandparents were not considered suspects.

Deceased/Not Found Thread 'Canada - Alvin, 66, & Kathy Liknes, 53, Nathan O'Brien, 5, Calgary, 30 June 2014 - #1'

Jun 30, 2014

AMBER Alert issued for missing five-year-old from Calgary

Calgary police are investigating the disappearance of a five-year-old child and his grandparents from a home in the southwest and issued an AMBER Alert on Monday afternoon.

Police were called to a home in the 100 block of 38A Avenue SW at about 10:00 a.m. Monday by a mother who went to the home to pick up her son who was staying with his grandparents.

The three were not at the residence and have not been located despite efforts by police.


Investigators say evidence at the scene suggests their disappearance may be...

• Sillybilly
• Replies: 768
• Forum: 2010's Missing

Yes I’m familiar with that case too. It’s another perfect example about how much information Canadian police hold back until the trial, even following an arrest. It taught me not to make rash judgements about guilt or innocence without knowing the whole story. I actually thought for a time the accused might’ve been set up as the crime didn’t make sense to me. How wrong I was, some people are pure evil.

 

[MistyWaters]

He isn't Jack and Lilly's father. The report was taking about updates about the missing children, not their baby.

Okay I get it. But at the time the children went missing the two were in a legal common law arrangement and the children were living under his roof.

 

[TMich6811]

Okay I get it. But at the time the children went missing the two were in a legal common law arrangement and the children were living under his roof.

And we actually don’t know what custody rights he has, if bio dad had any or any of the above

 

[musicaljoke]

.

Martell appears to be indicating he took and passed a polygraph test. He also appears to throw shade towards MBM for not speaking to the media.

Edit: Not posting to say that he did pass or that polygraph are accurate just that it’s an interesting update.

Missing N.S. kids spotted day before disappearance, stepfather says he’s taken polygraph | Globalnews.ca

Lilly and Jack Sullivan, aged six and four, went missing nearly four weeks ago. RCMP confirm the siblings were seen in public the day before being reported missing.

globalnews.ca

From the article:

In an interview Wednesday, Martell reiterated he offered to take a polygraph test, which he said has now taken place.

“I do have results and I don’t know if I can share those results, but they were good in my favour. I’ll say that,” he said.

[...]
“Trust the RCMP word and, I mean, you don’t have to trust my word, but I’m the only one doing media for Jack and Lilly — trying to keep this story alive and get them found,” he said.

 

[Bahshudc]

I really don’t think that requesting footage from before the 1st is troubling. It’s just standard groundwork: often DashCam footage is deleted, as well as Ring cameras so it’s important to obtain it ASAP.

I’d actually be more concerned if they weren’t super thorough - if there’s footage of the kids before the 1st, why not ask for it? What’s the harm in watching through this? Perhaps for other vehicles or lurkers yes, but there’s also a real chance that a crime may have been committed here. It’s so important to create a timeline, in any investigation. Even if the kids did simply wander off, it could still be useful to see their demeanours, their behaviour around family, perhaps arguments or body language which seemed off. I think this is just standard police work and indication of a detailed timeline being formed.

 

[ttjo]

that was horrifi

I recall that case very well and followed it closely.

Unlike this case, it was immediately clear that a crime had been committed:

Day 1: An Amber alert was issued, although they did not know what vehicle Nathan was in. "Investigators...believe [Nathan and his grandparents] did not leave the home voluntarily." Police reiterated that the grandparents were not considered suspects.

Deceased/Not Found Thread 'Canada - Alvin, 66, & Kathy Liknes, 53, Nathan O'Brien, 5, Calgary, 30 June 2014 - #1'

Jun 30, 2014

AMBER Alert issued for missing five-year-old from Calgary

Calgary police are investigating the disappearance of a five-year-old child and his grandparents from a home in the southwest and issued an AMBER Alert on Monday afternoon.

Police were called to a home in the 100 block of 38A Avenue SW at about 10:00 a.m. Monday by a mother who went to the home to pick up her son who was staying with his grandparents.

The three were not at the residence and have not been located despite efforts by police.


Investigators say evidence at the scene suggests their disappearance may be...

• Sillybilly
• Replies: 768
• Forum: 2010's Missing

That was horrific, I re read the article it said an arrest was made within 2 weeks, I remember at the time thinking it took forever.
It was apparant a crime was committed and they didnt leave voluntarily because of the blood trail leading out of the house to the driveway but the public didnt know that.
my point basically is they kept that under wraps pretty good and maybe thats why it felt like it took forever.
In this case.
Even though I dont know why they want video from before they went missing, it says to me they must have something theyre following, we will find out what that is eventually

 

[AddyFinch]

I'm going to cut the parents some slack... as a mother,/grandmother, I clearly remember days when the kids were sick, PD days, the flu bugs from h*(^$% and all the symptoms that would never stop. One bug after another. I remember laying in bed thinking, "ach what's a couple more days at home, maybe it'll stop this darn cough once and for all. I'm so sick of them being sick". So what did we do... goof off, go to McDonalds, play outside, go shopping.... so maybe they were in the same mind set. Kids stayed home. Parents just being normal parents.
If a four year old needed a pull up, it might only have been during the night. I imagine he knew exactly how to yank that thing off in am, and put on clothes. I also remember setting up Cheerios and snacks they could make for Saturday mornings infront of cartoons. We were never asleep, but definitely having a "lie in". They loved it and it gave us a little coping time. So maybe when these parents said they were asleep and lost track of time, maybe they were just resting, one eye on the kids and the other relaxing. Heck, maybe they were having sex! We've all been there as mothers and know how exhausting it was. My DH and I worked shifts and it was a killer with kids, and we were very good parents.

I agree with everyone having different coping mechanisms/different reactions to severe stress, but do find it hard to fathom why she left that house. I like others wouldn't have, I would be searching nonstop. And I wouldn't be giving any updates to anyone, absolutely no one.

Does she have an addiction? Did she need to leave the house to clean up for a few days?

If she erased DM from FB so quick, was she in the process of this anyways? This may have been the final straw. One article said they had been together 3 years, that would have started when Jack was just 1. Is he DM's child, he does look like him. 3 years is long enough for a step father to bond with those kids, so maybe he really does have a vested interest in finding them. And does he have legal rights? Does Common Law stretch to partners children, outside of Meadow?

Do they need lawyers, I don't think so at this point. There's not been any charges yet. So is this becoming a circumstantial case? And what does that really mean?
Apologies for this being long winded.............................

 

[Kricketeer]

Has there ever been any child protective service cases/visits/concerns?

I'm going to cut the parents some slack... as a mother,/grandmother, I clearly remember days when the kids were sick, PD days, the flu bugs from h*(^$% and all the symptoms that would never stop. One bug after another. I remember laying in bed thinking, "ach what's a couple more days at home, maybe it'll stop this darn cough once and for all. I'm so sick of them being sick". So what did we do... goof off, go to McDonalds, play outside, go shopping.... so maybe they were in the same mind set. Kids stayed home. Parents just being normal parents.
If a four year old needed a pull up, it might only have been during the night. I imagine he knew exactly how to yank that thing off in am, and put on clothes. I also remember setting up Cheerios and snacks they could make for Saturday mornings infront of cartoons. We were never asleep, but definitely having a "lie in". They loved it and it gave us a little coping time. So maybe when these parents said they were asleep and lost track of time, maybe they were just resting, one eye on the kids and the other relaxing. Heck, maybe they were having sex! We've all been there as mothers and know how exhausting it was. My DH and I worked shifts and it was a killer with kids, and we were very good parents.

I agree with everyone having different coping mechanisms/different reactions to severe stress, but do find it hard to fathom why she left that house. I like others wouldn't have, I would be searching nonstop. And I wouldn't be giving any updates to anyone, absolutely no one.

Does she have an addiction? Did she need to leave the house to clean up for a few days?

If she erased DM from FB so quick, was she in the process of this anyways? This may have been the final straw. One article said they had been together 3 years, that would have started when Jack was just 1. Is he DM's child, he does look like him. 3 years is long enough for a step father to bond with those kids, so maybe he really does have a vested interest in finding them. And does he have legal rights? Does Common Law stretch to partners children, outside of Meadow?

Do they need lawyers, I don't think so at this point. There's not been any charges yet. So is this becoming a circumstantial case? And what does that really mean?
Apologies for this being long winded.............................

re

 

[IzzyBlanche]

Has there ever been any child protective service cases/visits/concerns?




re

Not that I'm aware of, but then again that kind of information is kept very confidential.

 

[musicaljoke]

Has there ever been any child protective service cases/visits/concerns?




re

That would be private information, but there is nothing to suggest this was the case, no online comments anywhere from friends, neighbours, teachers, etc., suggest that there were child protective services visits.

 

[IzzyBlanche]

I listened to a true-crime podcast today in which LE went over video footage of days before the crime, and interviewing locals, identified the owner of every vehicle seen in the footage--except one, which turned out to belong to the killer.

Maybe RCMP is doing a similar operation to identify any strange vehicles in the area. In an area that rural, I would think everyone knew what everyone else drove.

 

[dotr]

May 28, 2025 #GlobalNews
The RCMP revealed Wednesday that family members were seen with Jack and Lily Sullivan on May 1 — the day before their disappearance. The RCMP is appealing for dash cam or surveillance video from the Lansdowne Station and Garlic Road area between April 28 and May 2. Officers have received more than 355 tips and interviewed over 50 people, with more interviews planned. Despite scaled-back search efforts, investigators remain fully engaged and say future searches will depend on new leads.

 

[SiberianSleuth]

I wonder what the kids were wearing the last day they were seen in public. Happy to hear RCMP knows.