Trained dogs specialized in detecting human remains were unsuccessful in locating two missing children from rural Nova Scotia, RCMP stated on Wednesday, renewing appeals for information regarding the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan, who have been missing for over five months.
The siblings, Lilly aged 6 and Jack aged 4, were reported missing on May 2 after their mother contacted the police, reporting that they had wandered away from their residence in Lansdowne, situated about 140 kilometers northeast of Halifax in Pictou County, a sparsely populated community.
RCMP disclosed that two dog teams from British Columbia covered a total distance of 40 kilometers over three days in late September. Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon mentioned that Inspector Luke Rettie with his canine partner Narc, and Sergeant Dave Whalen with his canine partner Kitt, combed through the property where the children were last seen, as well as nearby areas including a pipeline, intersecting trails, and a location where a pink blanket was previously discovered.
Despite focusing on these locations with the highest likelihood of finding the children, McCamon, who oversees major crime and behavioral sciences in Nova Scotia, emphasized that the search did not yield any results. He clarified that the absence of a discovery does not eliminate the possibility of human remains in those areas, stating that efforts were maximized in the search.
The disappearance of the children initiated an extensive search in early May, covering 8.5 square kilometers of dense woodland involving around 160 ground search and rescue volunteers, service dogs, drones, and helicopters.
Due to the unresolved nature of the case and lack of definitive answers, it has garnered international attention. RCMP confirmed that the major crime unit in Northeast Nova continues to pursue leads extracted from over 860 tips, reviewing 8,060 video files and conducting forensic examinations. McCamon stressed that multiple units have been dedicated to the case since May, emphasizing that it is being treated under the Missing Persons Act without transitioning into a criminal investigation.
McCamon urged the public to provide any tips or information they may possess, emphasizing the importance of all details no matter how minor they may seem, as they would be assessed for relevance and further investigation. He reiterated the commitment to exhaust all avenues until the case is resolved.
While considering all potential scenarios, RCMP refrained from disclosing investigative theories. McCamon emphasized the ongoing efforts, stating that the investigation remains active and committed to finding answers.
Regarding the use of canine teams, McCamon mentioned the possibility of recalling them based on new information or evidence that could aid the investigation.
In an interview, Daniel Martell, the children’s stepfather, described the search conducted by the dog teams around the property and inside the house during the week of September 22. Despite the thorough search, no leads were discovered, leaving Martell disheartened by the process.
Martell recounted a tense exchange with a handler who insinuated his involvement in the children’s disappearance, a claim he vehemently denied, expressing his full cooperation with the search efforts and ongoing police