Search Intensifies for Missing Nova Scotia Siblings Amid Dwindling Hopes

LANSDOWNE, Nova Scotia – Eight days have passed since Lily Sullivan, 6, and her brother Jack Sullivan, 4, were reported missing from their rural home in Pictou County. Local authorities have announced a scaling back of search efforts after extensive searches yielded no results.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) deployed over 160 trained volunteers, drones, and canine units to search the dense forest surrounding Gairloch Road, where the children were last seen. Sergeant Robert McCamon expressed growing concerns regarding the children’s survival chances during a press conference, saying, “The likelihood they’re alive right now is very low.”

According to police reports, the siblings are believed to have wandered away from their home. The children are members of the Sipekne’katik First Nation, the second largest Mi’kmaw community in Nova Scotia. The community has rallied together, stating their strong desire to see the children return home safely.

Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon confirmed that, per protocol, all missing person cases are treated as suspicious. Detailing the search operation, MacKinnon stated, “We’re not packing up and we’re not giving up. Our focus remains on finding Lily and Jack.”

Stepparent Daniel Martell provided an account of the events leading to the disappearance, indicating that he and the children’s mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, were sleeping with their one-year-old when the children vanished. Martell has been cooperating fully with police and has even offered to take a polygraph test to dispel any rumors.

The community remains hopeful, with the children’s grandmother, Cyndy Murray, stating, “We’re just hoping and praying for the best—that’s it—for our babies to come home.” Search teams will continue to revisit earlier searched areas in hopes of uncovering new evidence.

Along with search efforts, the community is providing emotional and logistical support to searchers. Major Daniel Roode from the Salvation Army emphasized that this tragedy has united the local community in their search for the missing siblings. “This isn’t about speculation; it’s about bringing Jack and Lily home,” Roode said.