Court documents recently made public have revealed new details in the heartbreaking investigation into the disappearance of two young Nova Scotia children, including allegations of domestic violence made by their mother against her former partner.
Allegations of Physical Abuse Surface
According to RCMP documents obtained by the National Post, Malehya Brooks-Murray told police that her then common-law partner, Daniel Martell, was sometimes physically violent towards her. The allegations came to light after a media application led a Nova Scotia judge to order the release of previously redacted portions of the court file.
Brooks-Murray stated to investigators that Martell "would try to block her, hold her down and once he pushed her." She further alleged that he would take her phone when she tried to call her mother, actions she described as sometimes being physical and causing hurt.
Stepfather's Denial and Account of Relationship
In his interview with police, Daniel Martell confirmed that the couple fought but strongly denied any physical abuse. He told the Mounties that while they would yell during arguments, "there was no physical violence in their relationship."
Martell indicated that financial stress was a primary source of conflict. He described their relationship, which began after meeting on Facebook dating, as moving quickly. He moved into Brooks-Murray's grandmother's home after about two weeks, and they were together for approximately three years. Martell characterized the relationship as having "ups and downs like any couple."
It is crucial to note that Martell has not been charged in connection with these allegations, and they have not been tested in court.
The Disappearance and Massive Search
Lilly Sullivan, 6, and her brother Jack Sullivan, 4, were reported missing from their home in the rural community of Lansdowne, Nova Scotia, on the morning of May 2, 2025. Brooks-Murray placed a 911 call around 10 a.m., reporting the children had wandered away while she and Martell were sleeping with their toddler.
The RCMP launched an extensive ground search, one of the largest in recent provincial history. The operation involved 22 of Nova Scotia's 23 ground search and rescue teams, plus two teams from New Brunswick, amounting to over 12,250 hours of search effort.
In a grim development in October 2025, police brought in cadaver dogs to scour approximately 40 kilometres of territory. That search, like the others, failed to locate any trace of the missing siblings. The RCMP continues to pursue hundreds of tips generated by the case.
The couple separated in the wake of the children's disappearance. The investigation remains active, with police stating that all scenarios are being considered.
