The search for missing children Lilly and Jack Sullivan has yielded various items, including a child’s T-shirt, a blanket, and a tricycle. However, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Nova Scotia confirmed that none of these items are relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Search Efforts and Community Involvement
The search began after the children were reported missing by their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, on May 2 from their home in Lansdowne Station. The surrounding heavily wooded area has undergone multiple searches over the past months. This included a thorough search by specially trained cadaver dogs in October.
Leadership of the Search Operation
Nick Oldrieve, who organizes searches through his Ontario-based non-profit, Please Bring Me Home, was approached by the children’s paternal grandmother, Belynda Gray, to lead the efforts. On a recent Saturday, Oldrieve directed a search that included 32 volunteers, targeting the Middle River of Pictou.
Volunteers and Search Strategy
The search team consisted of experienced individuals, including a retired military member with eight years in ground search and rescue. Despite the challenging circumstances, Oldrieve notes that even unproductive search efforts can provide valuable information.
- Search Date: Ongoing since May 2
- Number of Volunteers: 32
- Specialized Assistance: Cadaver dogs in October
Emotional Impact on Searchers
The atmosphere during the search is notably somber. Oldrieve commented on the heartbreaking nature of looking for missing children, especially after an extended period. He acknowledges the grim possibility that searchers may be looking for human remains.
Record Keeping and Future Searches
During the operation, searchers were divided into groups of six, meticulously documenting their locations and any items found. Oldrieve plans to compile these records to share with the RCMP for further analysis.
In a recent communication, the RCMP expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their ongoing support. Oldrieve noted his skepticism regarding the children wandering into the woods, mentioning the prevalence of tags and ribbons marking the area. He believes a logical explanation might involve the children falling into the water.
Oldrieve emphasized the urgency of conducting another search before weather conditions deteriorate. He stated that everyone involved is desperately hoping for the safe return of Jack and Lilly.
