Stepfather of Missing Sullivan Children Arrested for Assault Charges
On May 2, 2025, in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, five-year-old Jack and six-year-old Lilly Sullivan went missing. Their stepfather, Daniel Martell, 34, has recently been arrested on unrelated charges, including assault, forcible confinement, and sexual assault. This development comes amid ongoing searches for the two children.
Details of the Arrest
Daniel Martell was apprehended by RCMP on Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m. The charges he faces are serious and have drawn public attention.
Missing Children Case
Weeks of searching for Jack and Lilly Sullivan have yielded few answers. Their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, reported their disappearance to authorities shortly after they wandered away from home. The investigation quickly put both Martell and Brooks-Murray under scrutiny.
Search Efforts and Findings
Despite extensive searches conducted over several months, investigators have not located any substantial leads regarding the children’s whereabouts. During these operations, police collected items such as:
- A child’s T-shirt
- A blanket
- A tricycle
However, authorities have stated that these items do not appear relevant to the case.
Abuse Allegations Unveiled
Recent court documents further complicated the narrative surrounding Martell. These unsealed records suggested a potentially abusive relationship between Martell and Brooks-Murray. In police interviews, Brooks-Murray disclosed that Martell had displayed physically abusive behavior.
Brooks-Murray’s Testimony
In a police examination on May 9, she described instances where Martell tried to physically restrain her. According to the documents, she stated, “He would try to block her, hold her down, and once he pushed her.” Furthermore, she reported that he would take her phone to prevent her from contacting her family, leading to physical confrontations.
Martell’s Denial
In response to the abuse allegations, Martell has publicly denied any wrongdoing. He expressed frustration over the negative portrayal of him, stating, “I never abused Malehya. The narrative was set that Daniel is an evil person.” Martell claims the accusations are part of a larger scheme to vilify him.
The ongoing investigation into the Sullivan children’s disappearance continues, as authorities and the community remain hopeful for their safe return.
