Daniel Martell, the stepfather of missing children Lilly and Jack Sullivan, has been charged with sexual assault, assault, and forcible confinement, according to CBC News. The Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that Martell, 34, was arrested on Monday and is facing three charges involving an adult complainant. He is scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on March 2.

At the time of the children’s disappearance in May 2025, Martell was living with Lilly, 6, Jack, 4, and their mother at the family home in Lansdowne, a rural community in Nova Scotia. The children were reported missing on May 2, 2025, after their mother called 911 to report that they could not be found.

Following the report, extensive search and rescue operations were launched, with teams spending days combing the dense wooded areas surrounding the family’s rural property. Despite significant efforts, investigators recovered very little physical evidence. The only notable items found were a pink blanket and a child-sized boot print.

Since the disappearance, authorities have undertaken a wide-ranging investigation. RCMP have deployed cadaver dogs, conducted 75 interviews, and completed several polygraph examinations. Investigators have also reviewed 1,066 tips from the public and analyzed approximately 8,000 video files. RCMP units from multiple provinces have been assigned to assist with the case.

The disappearance of Lilly and Jack has drawn international media attention and sparked widespread online speculation. However, RCMP have emphasized that the recent charges laid against Martell are not directly connected to the children’s disappearance.

Earlier this month, RCMP Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon, the officer in charge of major crime and behavioural sciences, addressed the ongoing investigation, stating, “I wouldn’t say anybody’s a suspect. We continue to gather information, whatever evidence that we are able to find, and we’ll make our decisions based on that.”

As of now, Lilly and Jack Sullivan remain missing. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to their disappearance to contact the Nova Scotia RCMP or Crime Stoppers. Investigators stress that even the smallest detail could prove crucial.

🕯️ Lilly and Jack are not forgotten.
Members of the public are encouraged to share information responsibly and allow verified facts to guide the conversation as the investigation continues.