Daniel Martell, the stepfather of two children from Nova Scotia who went missing almost nine months ago, has been accused of sexual assault, assault, and forcible confinement, according to information obtained by CBC News. Nova Scotia RCMP has confirmed that Martell was taken into custody on Monday and is confronting three charges related to an adult complainant. Martell, aged 34, resided with Lilly and Jack Sullivan along with their mother at the time of their disappearance from his household in Lansdowne, N.S., in May last year. Martell is scheduled to appear in Pictou provincial court on March 2.
The two children, Lilly aged 6 and Jack aged 4 at the time, were reported missing on May 2, 2025, after their mother contacted emergency services. Extensive search efforts, including search and rescue teams scouring the dense woods near the rural home in Lansdowne, yielded minimal evidence, with only a pink blanket and a child-size boot print discovered. Subsequently, authorities have utilized cadaver dogs, conducted numerous interviews, polygraph tests, reviewed tips and video footage, and assigned RCMP units from various provinces to investigate the case.
Despite widespread online speculation and international media attention, RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon stated earlier this month that none of the children’s family members are considered suspects in the disappearance. McCamon, who oversees major crime and behavioral sciences, emphasized the ongoing collection of information and evidence to guide their decisions in the investigation.
The disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan has captured significant public interest, triggering discussions and accusations online.