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

[Lexiintoronto]

Regarding the reward and how it may impact private searches—

I live in NS on the bay with the North Mountain behind us. Because of the location, people vacation here and sometimes we become the centre of a SAR search: overdue hikers, canoe found floating in the bay with no passengers, distress signals from fishing boats, etc.

Most of the SAR searches are resolved with happy endings. One in recent memory was not. Close to my home, a boat of fisherman went into distress and an emergency beacon went off. One deceased fisherman and two lifeboats washed ashore on the first day. When the search for the remaining men was officially called off a few days later, many of us in the community still scoured the shoreline for the victims or anything from their boat that might offer clues. We did it in an effort to help the families who lived far from here.

It had been a big media story, but thankfully nothing about our local ongoing search was spoken about anywhere that I’m aware of—including SM.

I imagine the residents in the Landsdowne area might be doing and feeling the same way we did. They’re sore from grief for the children and are quietly continuing the search in private. However, in my experience, there are always people close to a search area that don’t check their properties for some reason.

My guess is the reward might encourage some locals to search their land thoroughly. I think the owners can reasonably expect strangers or trespassers to join into the search due to the media coverage, and they might be on their properties without even knowing it as their land is so expansive. The reward adds additional pressure to property owners, imo.

The media coverage of the abandoned mineshafts and the lure of exploring them are additional features. Many of the shafts are mapped and the information is an available online—except for some on private properties. There isn’t much uncharted territory here, which makes them even more interesting to some. I believe there are going to be people —primarily young—who would want to explore the area while looking for the lost children. The large reward might increase that, and private searches that may have been ongoing beforehand might intensify, imo.

 

[RandyMcDonald]

With regards to the forests, I think it key not to underestimate the extent of the damage done in 2022 by Hurricane Fiona.

Hurricane Fiona - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

When I visited Prince Edward Island a year later, I was shocked by the number of trees I saw downed. This was not only in rural and forested areas, though the damage there was extreme; Islanders even now are worried when the weather is dry because there are so many dead trees woods could go up like a match. Even in Charlottetown, there were so many trees knocked down that, even a year later, only the trees that had to be moved had been moved..the rest just had to be left; triage.

Radware Page

Loader page.

www.princeedwardisland.ca

The scale of the damage surprised Islanders. There have been plenty of storms before, but usually the landmass of Nova Scotia blocked them, taking the brunt of the damage and buffering the shock. And I am sure it did: What the forests of Nova Scotia, including the forest where Jack and Lily may have been lost, are like cannot be underestimated.

 

[su5ie]

Thank you @Lexiintoronto and @RandyMcDonald for that really helpful insight . Very much appreciated. Being in ireland I'm really thankful for your knowledge of the Canadian landscape being native to the land .

Maybe the kids did genuinely just sneak out and get lost and if your description of how the terrain may look, it is a big possibility that sars just missed them . And unfortunately I can't see them being found if that is the case .

I think part of me felt if the RCMP are not sending in the cadaver dogs at this stage they must not think the kids are lost/ dead within the area searched and this must be why they offered the reward .

It's easy to get caught up in the conspiracy ,speculation and finger - pointing and make assumptions based on others opinions. And with no solid information coming forward it leaves a big space for rumour to grow .

Sometimes when I comment on cases I forget there is real people at the centre of a horrendous tragedy .

 

[Lexiintoronto]

Thank you @Lexiintoronto and @RandyMcDonald for that really helpful insight . Very much appreciated. Being in ireland I'm really thankful for your knowledge of the Canadian landscape being native to the land .

Maybe the kids did genuinely just sneak out and get lost and if your description of how the terrain may look, it is a big possibility that sars just missed them . And unfortunately I can't see them being found if that is the case .

I think part of me felt if the RCMP are not sending in the cadaver dogs at this stage they must not think the kids are lost/ dead within the area searched and this must be why they offered the reward .

It's easy to get caught up in the conspiracy ,speculation and finger - pointing and make assumptions based on others opinions. And with no solid information coming forward it leaves a big space for rumour to grow .

Sometimes when I comment on cases I forget there is real people at the centre of a horrendous tragedy .

I think I’ve read all of your comments and I haven’t had the impression that you’ve lost sight of the victims. I appreciate reading your posts.

I understand the challenges of the terrain and how young children can get into dire situations quickly, but I can see all of the possible red flags in this case as well.

My initial concern in this case was that both children are described as developmentally delayed and there’s a possible gap between 8-10 am where they weren’t being tended to, despite Lilly trying to get the adults’ attention.

That might be harmless on its own, but then they made it through a door with apparently no childproof lock, then through a yard with no childproofing…onto a wilderness full of obstacles.

I don’t understand MBM leaving on day 2. And if there’s a reasonable explanation for her vacating the search, I don’t understand her side of the family not commenting or not trying to keep the momentum going during the critical first days, then weeks.

 

[seasideForest]

They both have autism, true,

I don't think that's officially confirmed, is it?
Just a suggestion from MBM and/or DM that it might be the case?

 

[LadyL]

dbm

 

[su5ie]

I don't think that's officially confirmed, is it?
Just a suggestion from MBM and/or DM that it might be the case?

No I don't think it's been confirmed by an assessment. Just DM and MBM statements saying they possibly have autism .

In all honesty in general parents and teachers would have a fairly good idea that an assessment would confirm their suspicion of the presence of asd . But without an assessment and subsequent confirmed diagnosis by a qualified neurologist or psychologist. It could be a number of disorders including intellectual disabilities, developmental delay , global delay , dyspraxia, dyslexia, adhd , add or unfortunately neglect and I dislike adding this as so many parents have to fight for a diagnosis especially when it comes to girls being assessed for autism.

Cps got a referral from the school for a reason and tbh I don't think it was only because the children were presenting with traits that may have indicated a need for assessment. Schools see these difficulties everyday and don't make reports imo

Some parents think autism doesn't exist and refuse to cooperate with professionals or others think they can cure it with changes in diet and will often blame , food ,water sources , the " system". Then there are others who will claim that the child has autism or a need to be assessed for monetary gain .

In ireland we have carers allowance per week ( full rate € 260 ,half rate € 130 if you meet the means tested requirements ) and domiciliary allowance ( €360 per month regardlessof income) . They are payments given to parents if a child has behavioural, developmental and intellectual difficulties that require further assessment. You can claim these payments and other expenses with or without a diagnosis but the child must be on a waiting list for therapies and awaiting assessment of need . You can be waiting years on a diagnosis but still eligible to claim .

Some parents a minority I will add will through bad parenting and neglect pawn off schools and professionals by saying it must be autism .

This is just my seen experience. And imo and moo

I don't know if the equivalent of these payments exist in Canada

 

[seasideForest]

No I don't think it's been confirmed by an assessment. Just DM and MBM statements saying they possibly have autism .

I just like to keep facts straight, otherwise somebody runs with non-proven 'facts'.
JMO

 

[su5ie]

I think I’ve read all of your comments and I haven’t had the impression that you’ve lost sight of the victims. I appreciate reading your posts.

I understand the challenges of the terrain and how young children can get into dire situations quickly, but I can see all of the possible red flags in this case as well.

My initial concern in this case was that both children are described as developmentally delayed and there’s a possible gap between 8-10 am where they weren’t being tended to, despite Lilly trying to get the adults’ attention.

That might be harmless on its own, but then they made it through a door with apparently no childproof lock, then through a yard with no childproofing…onto a wilderness full of obstacles.

I don’t understand MBM leaving on day 2. And if there’s a reasonable explanation for her vacating the search, I don’t understand her side of the family not commenting or not trying to keep the momentum going during the critical first days, then weeks.

Thank you so much for your kind words , I did feel prehaps I was being too judgmental .

I know not every parent will want to engage with the media and this lack of engagement doesn't confirm guilt . Many parents of missing children just want to find their precious children in privacy as they are private people.

But I'm going to be very honest here , MBM and DM didn't seem to be shy about a SM presence before .

I know on one hand a SM presence doesn't mean someone shares their whole life and many only show the good parts or what they want to be shown and they still maintain a private life but Not all missing children's cases get the advantage of media interest and I wonder why no representative of MBM is utilising this . JMHO.

Keeping a missing person's case in the media while I'm sure has its disadvantages such as added pressure on grieving and distraught families. It has many advantages. By keeping it visible in the eye of the public it increases the pressure on those holding the purse strings and gives an incentive to keep spending money searching. Again all my opinion

 

[su5ie]

I think I’ve read all of your comments and I haven’t had the impression that you’ve lost sight of the victims. I appreciate reading your posts.

I understand the challenges of the terrain and how young children can get into dire situations quickly, but I can see all of the possible red flags in this case as well.

My initial concern in this case was that both children are described as developmentally delayed and there’s a possible gap between 8-10 am where they weren’t being tended to, despite Lilly trying to get the adults’ attention.

That might be harmless on its own, but then they made it through a door with apparently no childproof lock, then through a yard with no childproofing…onto a wilderness full of obstacles.

I don’t understand MBM leaving on day 2. And if there’s a reasonable explanation for her vacating the search, I don’t understand her side of the family not commenting or not trying to keep the momentum going during the critical first days, then weeks.

I do think leaving a door unlocked is especially stupid when you have young children and you are willing to leave them unsupervised while you catch up on some sleep.

The laying in of MBM and DM is not something I'm critical about as I don't see the harm in kids watching TV in another room while parents sleep but I do think it was neglectful to leave an effective escape route for the children and in a particularly remote area .

I have thought this is why MBM and her family blamed DM. I wondered did he step outside for a cigarette or to check on the chickens and left it slightly or fully open or just unlocked .

I imagine this information would not be shared by the RCMP as it would impede an investigation as the public would be less inclined to offer up information if they felt being lost in the woods was the only possibility. Which is why LE state , We are looking at all scenarios and are open to all possibilities, even if they know on the balance of probability that the children wandered off , This open ended statement engages the public imo

 

[mysteryseeker]

Not much is being posted in this thread anymore. I fear the case is going stagnant.....where are those poor babies.

 

[Ontario Mom]

Not much is being posted in this thread anymore. I fear the case is going stagnant.....where are those poor babies.

With no updates from LE, there's really not much to discuss. I'm confident the agencies working this case are doing just that, and the public will be updated eventually.

 

[su5ie]

With no updates from LE, there's really not much to discuss. I'm confident the agencies working this case are doing just that, and the public will be updated eventually.

Can't see them updating the public unless remains are found or evidence is found of foulplay and a poi is being named either of which could take many years . Sadly I've always felt that if this case wasn't brought to a closure within 1 month it would become like many others on WS , a cold case

 

[Ontario Mom]

Can't see them updating the public unless remains are found or evidence is found of foulplay and a poi is being named either of which could take many years . Sadly I've always felt that if this case wasn't brought to a closure within 1 month it would become like many others on WS , a cold case

<modsnip> I've followed countless cases over the years (many of them right here) that weren't solved in a month, but instead took years, even decades and were never declared cold by the agency investigating.

Until or unless the RCMP officially call it a cold case, it's not.

 

[Skigh]

I can't imagine why you'd declare it a cold case after not being solved in a month. I've followed countless cases over the years (many of them right here) that weren't solved in a month, but instead took years, even decades and were never declared cold by the agency investigating.

Until or unless the RCMP officially call it a cold case, it's not.

Unfortunately I see this case ending up like Summer Wells. For month after month hope was kept alive that she would be found or arrests made ,but here we are, no further forward years later.

 

[Slebby]

I personally have great confidence in the RCMP and Canadian law enforcement in general. I have followed other Canadian cases in which we, the public, were kept in the dark, which I happen to agree is the right way to go. I have great respect for the restraint and diplomacy of our LE. I believe we will learn the full story of what happened to these children, one day.
IMO

 

[Slebby]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

I am glad we have strict guardrails at WS keeping us on a straight path, relying on verifiable facts.

Just my own opinion.

 

[Ontario Mom]

@Slebby

"I am glad we have strict guardrails at WS keeping us on a straight path, relying on verifiable facts."

I couldn't agree more. While anyone at any time can post anything they want elsewhere, cases that we follow here (and the victims in those cases) are protected by only allowing approved links from vetted sources that report facts. Jack and Lilly (in my opinion) don't deserve to have all manner of heated opinions flying around out there about them or their lives, or their family, for that matter.

 

[MistyWaters]

@Slebby

"I am glad we have strict guardrails at WS keeping us on a straight path, relying on verifiable facts."

I couldn't agree more. While anyone at any time can post anything they want elsewhere, cases that we follow here (and the victims in those cases) are protected by only allowing approved links from vetted sources that report facts. Jack and Lilly (in my opinion) don't deserve to have all manner of heated opinions flying around out there about them or their lives, or their family, for that matter.

I agree. It always happens after a case goes quiet that unknown people on SM crawl out of the woodwork claiming to have attention-getting inside information. Afterward they’re never heard from again.

 

[Sillybilly]

This thread is closed for review and cleanup.

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