Nova Scotia Siblings Missing After Prior Child Welfare Involvement

Months before six-year-old Lilly and four-year-old Jack Sullivan vanished from their rural Nova Scotia home, the children had been assessed by a child welfare agency, according to sources close to the investigation. Their disappearance on May 2 from Lansdowne Station, a remote and wooded area northeast of Halifax, has since triggered a massive search and a criminal investigation.

The children were reportedly last seen by family members that morning. Despite extensive ground and aerial searches involving over 160 volunteers and multiple RCMP units, no trace of the siblings has been found. A piece of Lilly’s blanket was discovered near a child-sized bootprint, but authorities have not confirmed whether it is linked to the case.

The province has now added the case to its Major Unsolved Crimes Program and is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information that could lead to a resolution. Officials have emphasized that all scenarios remain under investigation, and the RCMP continues to gather evidence, including video footage and interviews with over 50 individuals.

The children’s stepfather, Daniel Martell, has publicly stated he passed a police polygraph test and has cooperated fully with investigators. He expressed frustration over the scrutiny but said he understands the need for thoroughness in such a sensitive case.

The involvement of child welfare services prior to the disappearance has raised questions about whether any warning signs were missed. However, officials have not released details about the nature or outcome of the agency’s assessment.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers. The community, still reeling from the children’s disappearance, holds onto hope for answers—and for the safe return of Lilly and Jack.