Search efforts using specialized dogs trained to detect human remains failed to locate two missing children in rural Nova Scotia after more than five months, according to the RCMP. The call for information regarding the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan was reiterated by the authorities on Wednesday.
The siblings, Lilly aged 6 and Jack aged 4, were reported missing on May 2 when their mother alerted the police through a 911 call, stating they had wandered off from their residence in Lansdowne, situated in Pictou County approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Halifax.
Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon disclosed that two dog teams, which had traveled from British Columbia, covered a total distance of 40 kilometers over three days in late September.
Insp. Luke Rettie with his canine partner, Narc, and Sgt. Dave Whalen with his K-9, Kitt, extensively searched the property from where the children went missing, as well as nearby areas including a pipeline, intersecting trails, and the location where a pink blanket was previously discovered.
McCamon, overseeing major crime and behavioral sciences in Nova Scotia, stated that these locations held the highest likelihood of finding the children but unfortunately, they were not located.
Despite the outcome, McCamon emphasized that the absence of discovery does not eliminate the potential presence of human remains, expressing that the search was conducted to the best of their ability.
The disappearance of the children in early May prompted an extensive search operation covering 8.5 square kilometers primarily consisting of dense forests, involving around 160 ground search and rescue volunteers, service dogs, drones, and helicopters.
The complex nature of the case, compounded by the lack of conclusive information, has attracted global attention.
The RCMP highlighted that the Northeast Nova major crime unit continues to pursue leads derived from over 860 tips, examination of 8,060 video files, and forensic analysis. Multiple units have been actively engaged in the investigation since May, as per McCamon.
McCamon stressed that the case remains under investigation under the Missing Persons Act and is not classified as a criminal matter.
Renewing the appeal for public cooperation, McCamon emphasized the significance of any information, regardless of its perceived relevance, urging individuals to share details that could aid the investigation.
He reiterated the commitment to exploring all avenues without divulging specific investigative hypotheses, affirming the continuous efforts to seek answers in the case.
McCamon indicated the possibility of recalling the dog teams if fresh leads or evidence suggest their utility in advancing the investigation.
In an interview, Daniel Martell, the stepfather of the children, detailed the search conducted by the dog teams on and around the property during the week of September 22.
Recounting the search process, Martell mentioned the thorough exploration of the residence and surrounding areas, yielding no significant findings. He described a tense interaction with one of the handlers during the search, expressing his disappointment at the insinuations made.
Martell affirmed his complete cooperation with the search teams and law enforcement since the children’s disappearance, regularly seeking updates on the case.
While declining to confirm specific interactions, McCamon acknowledged the possibility of handlers engaging with individuals at a scene under certain circumstances.
Grandmother’s Perspective
Belynda Gray, the children’s paternal grandmother, expressed her lack of surprise at the unsuccessful search outcomes, emphasizing her concern about the potential long-term uncertainty in locating the children.
Gray advocated for expanding the search scope to encompass vehicles in the Lansdowne vicinity and residences beyond Pictou County, questioning the progress
