Cadaver dogs specially trained to detect human remains were unsuccessful in locating two missing children, Lilly, aged 6, and Jack, aged 4, who disappeared from rural Nova Scotia over five months ago. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) made this announcement as they appealed for information regarding the case.
The children were reported missing on May 2 after their mother called 911, reporting that they had wandered away from their home in Lansdowne, a remote area in Pictou County, approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Halifax. In late September, two dog teams from British Columbia, led by Insp. Luke Rettie with his canine partner Narc, and Sgt. Dave Whalen with his partner Kitt, searched a 40-kilometer area that included the property where the children vanished, nearby trails, and where a pink blanket was discovered previously.
Although these areas were considered high-probability locations, the children were not found. Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon, overseeing major crime and behavioral sciences in Nova Scotia, stated that while the search did not yield results, it did not definitively rule out the presence of human remains. The investigation, conducted under the Missing Persons Act, remains ongoing.
Despite an extensive grid search involving 160 volunteers, service dogs, drones, and helicopters across 8.5 square kilometers of dense woods shortly after the children went missing, unanswered questions have drawn international attention to the mysterious case. The RCMP continues to pursue leads from over 860 tips, 8,060 video files, and forensic testing, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in providing any relevant information.
McCamon reiterated the dedication to uncovering the truth, emphasizing the continuous efforts in the case. He highlighted the possibility of recalling the cadaver dogs if new leads surface. The stepfather of the children, Daniel Martell, shared his experience with the search teams and his cooperation with law enforcement, expressing his disappointment at the lack of progress in the investigation.
Belynda Gray, the children’s grandmother, expressed her concerns about the search outcome and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the case. She urged for broader search efforts and questioned the progress made despite months passing since the disappearance. The RCMP, while exploring all avenues, remains committed to finding answers and encourages the public to provide any relevant details that could aid in the investigation.