Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia — On May 2, 2025, six-year-old Lilly Sullivan and her four-year-old brother Jack vanished from their rural home on Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station, Pictou County. Their disappearance has since become one of the most perplexing and heart-wrenching cases in recent Canadian history.
According to their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, she and her partner Daniel Martell were in the bedroom with their one-year-old daughter when they heard the children playing in the next room. After briefly falling back asleep, they awoke to find the children missing. The front door was secured, leading them to believe the children had exited through the back sliding door, which was typically silent when opened. Despite immediate searches of the surrounding area, no trace of Lilly and Jack was found.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initiated a large-scale search operation, involving over 100 personnel, including volunteers, drones, helicopters, and search dogs. Despite these extensive efforts, no significant leads emerged. The search was officially scaled back on May 7, though smaller, community-led searches have continued sporadically.
In the days following their disappearance, investigators interviewed at least 54 individuals and administered polygraph tests. Court documents revealed that the siblings had been observed with family members on May 1, the day before they went missing, at a Dollarama store in New Glasgow. This sighting has raised questions about the timeline and circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The RCMP has stated that there is no evidence of abduction but has not ruled out the possibility of foul play. The case has garnered widespread attention, with many speculating about potential leads and the involvement of various individuals. The children’s estranged biological father, Cody Sullivan, was questioned by police but stated he had not seen the children for several years.
In August 2025, the RCMP released redacted court documents providing further details about the investigation. The documents indicated that as of July 16, the RCMP no longer considered the case to be “criminal in nature,” though the investigation remains open. Authorities continue to analyze hundreds of hours of video footage and tips received from the public.
The Government of Nova Scotia has offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information deemed to be of “investigative value” to the search for the missing siblings. This initiative aims to encourage the public to come forward with any information that may assist in resolving the case.
The disappearance of Lilly and Jack has left a profound impact on their family and the community. Their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, has expressed her deep anguish and longing for her children, stating, “We just want them home as soon as possible.” The community continues to hold out hope for their safe return and remains united in the search efforts.
As of October 2025, Lilly and Jack Sullivan remain missing. The RCMP continues to investigate all leads and urges anyone with information to come forward. The case remains open, and authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind their disappearance.
The ongoing search for Lilly and Jack serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of community vigilance. Their story has touched hearts across Canada and beyond, with many hoping for a resolution that brings them safely home.