Three months have passed since Jack Sullivan, 4, and his sister Lily, 6, disappeared near their home in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, and the search is still ongoing.
New court documents reveal that a series of polygraph tests were conducted on the children’s parents and stepfamily, but authorities stress that no scenario has been ruled out in the investigation.
Parents and Stepfamily Take Polygraph Tests
According to documents obtained by CTV News, the children’s mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, and stepfather, Daniel Martell, both underwent polygraph tests in May.
Results indicated that they were “truthful,” with investigators noting that at this stage, the disappearance was not believed to be criminal in nature.
The children’s stepmother, Janie MacKenzie, took a polygraph in June, but officials reported her physiology was unsuitable for analysis, and no opinion was rendered.
Their father, Cody Sullivan, was also tested and found to be truthful.
Police Continue to Explore All Possibilities
Despite the polygraph results, police maintain that all possibilities remain on the table.
“The team continues to evaluate all tips and information, with no scenarios having been ruled out,” said spokesperson Cindy Bayers.
Investigators are reviewing forensic results, including those connected to a pink blanket belonging to Lily that was found near the family home in July.
Earlier pieces of the same blanket had been discovered in May at the end of the family’s driveway, prompting a search with a sniffer dog that was unable to pick up a scent.
Family Dynamics and Estranged Relationships
The case is complicated by the family’s past and strained relationships.
Cody Sullivan had limited contact with his children and their mother for several years, although he continued paying child support.
According to documents, he was home on the day the children went missing and denied any knowledge of their whereabouts.
The children’s grandmother, Belynda Gray, spoke to CBC in June about her fears.
“My heart tells me these babies are gone,” she said, reflecting the deep worry and heartbreak surrounding the family.
Gray explained that while she initially had a strong bond with Brooks-Murray, tensions arose after Brooks-Murray moved in with her new partner, Daniel Martell, who has a young daughter with her.
The Circumstances of the Disappearance
Brooks-Murray and Martell believe the children may have wandered out a sliding back door while they were occupied with the baby.
Both children are autistic, and while police are working on the assumption that they left the home on their own, Martell expressed concerns about potential abduction.
“They were outside playing, but we weren’t aware of it at the time,” Brooks-Murray explained.
“The next thing we knew, it was quiet. We looked everywhere, yelled for them, and I instantly called 911.”
Describing Jack and Lily
Contrary to some online rumors suggesting the children are non-verbal, Brooks-Murray emphasized that Jack and Lily are friendly and talkative.
“They’re both really happy-go-lucky children.
They talk to anyone. Everyone in a store, they’ll talk your ear off.
They’re just extremely sweet kids,” she said, highlighting their loving and outgoing nature.
The family’s hope remains that the children are safe, and police continue to investigate every lead, emphasizing that no conclusion has yet been reached.
