Seven weeks have passed since two children disappeared from a rural Nova Scotia town, sparking concerns over the absence of an Amber Alert for Lilly and Jack Sullivan. The siblings vanished on May 2 after wandering away from their Lansdowne Station home, prompting a search effort by local authorities.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) initially stated that the case did not meet the necessary criteria for issuing an Amber Alert. The criteria require specific details such as a suspect, person of interest, or vehicle description to prompt public assistance in locating abducted children in imminent danger.
Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay from the RCMP’s communications unit clarified that the decision to issue an alert is made by the risk manager overseeing each major incident. In this instance, two “vulnerable persons” alerts were issued, covering a broad area in northeastern Nova Scotia.
Despite the alerts, the children’s stepfather, Daniel Martell, advocated for an Amber Alert and expressed disappointment that it was not activated. He emphasized the vulnerability of the missing children and urged authorities to reconsider the criteria for such cases.
The investigation has involved extensive searches around the children’s home, including interviews with multiple individuals and the collection of video footage from the area. The Nova Scotia government has offered a substantial reward for information related to the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.
While RCMP officials maintain there is no evidence of abduction, family members continue to push for intensified efforts, highlighting the children’s potential vulnerabilities. The community remains hopeful for a resolution as the search for Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues.
Justice Minister Becky Druhan reiterated that the decision-making process for Amber Alerts follows standardized criteria, emphasizing the ongoing support for the investigation. The case has raised questions about the alert system and the need for flexibility in responding to unique circumstances involving missing children.