Daniel Martell, the stepfather of two children who vanished from rural Nova Scotia nearly nine months ago, is facing several criminal charges involving an adult victim. Authorities confirmed that Martell, 34, was arrested on Monday and has been charged with sexual assault, assault, and forcible confinement. He is scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on March 2.

Background on the Disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan

At the time of the disappearance, Martell was living in Lansdowne, N.S., with Lilly Sullivan, 6, Jack Sullivan, 5, and their mother. The siblings were reported missing on May 2, 2025, after their mother called 911 to report they had vanished from the family property. The subsequent search became one of the most intensive efforts in the region’s history.

Search and rescue teams spent weeks navigating the dense, unforgiving woods surrounding the rural home. Despite a massive grid search, investigators recovered very little physical evidence, only locating a pink blanket and a single child-sized boot print in the area.

Status of the Ongoing Investigation

In the months since the children disappeared, the investigation has expanded significantly. Law enforcement officials have utilized cadaver dogs, conducted over 75 formal interviews, and administered multiple polygraph examinations. The investigative team has also processed more than 1,000 tips and reviewed approximately 8,000 video files. Specialized units from various provinces remain assigned to the case to assist with the ongoing search for answers.

Current Suspect Status

While the new charges against Martell involve an adult and are not directly linked to the missing children case, the arrest has renewed public interest in the family’s history. Despite intense public speculation, investigators have maintained that no family members have been officially named as suspects in the children’s disappearance.

Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon, who oversees major crime and behavioural sciences, previously stated that the investigation remains open-ended. “I wouldn’t say anybody’s a suspect,” McCamon noted, emphasizing that the team continues to gather information and will make decisions based on whatever evidence is uncovered.

As the community nears the one-year anniversary of the disappearance, the whereabouts of Lilly and Jack Sullivan remain unknown.