Sunny Austin, also known as Sunny Justice online, hosts a YouTube show called “It’s A Criming Shame” from her bedroom in Langley, B.C. She dedicates hours each day to discussing the case of two missing children, Jack and Lilly Sullivan, who disappeared from Nova Scotia nearly five months ago. Austin interacts with a global audience, including family members such as Belynda Gray, Daniel Martell, and Darin Geddes, dissecting every detail of the perplexing case.
Austin’s show is part of a growing trend of crime-related content on YouTube, offering an interactive platform for discussing unresolved cases like Jack and Lilly’s disappearance. While these shows can generate leads for law enforcement, they also raise ethical concerns about turning personal tragedies into entertainment for profit.
Starting her show five years ago after being captivated by another missing person case, Austin has built a substantial online following. Despite her full-time job in customer service, she regularly hosts live discussions about Jack and Lilly, often joined by co-host Sharmain Swart from the “True Crime Story Podcast.”
The siblings were reported missing by their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, who claimed they wandered off from their rural home. Despite extensive search efforts, little evidence has been found, except for a pink blanket. Speculations and rumors have circulated, causing strain between Brooks-Murray and the children’s stepfather, Daniel Martell.
Austin emphasizes that her show aims to advocate for victims rather than spread misinformation. She acknowledges the risks of unfounded theories but believes in raising awareness about the case. One of the viewers, Belynda Gray, the children’s grandmother, has turned to online true crime shows for updates and support amid the lack of official information.
Gray has connected with a lawyer through Austin’s show to explore her legal options regarding the children. She has expressed a desire for temporary guardianship to stay informed and potentially care for Jack and Lilly if they are found. While acknowledging the potential pitfalls of online discussions, Gray sees them as essential for keeping the children’s names in the public eye.
Online true crime shows play a role in generating tips for law enforcement, with over 800 leads being pursued in Jack and Lilly’s case. However, Sgt. Chris Marshall of the Nova Scotia RCMP warns about the challenges of sifting through misinformation and false leads that can divert resources from genuine investigative paths.
Experts like Whitney Phillips highlight the ethical dilemmas of discussing sensitive cases on platforms like YouTube, emphasizing the need for content creators to prioritize ethical considerations over engagement metrics. Despite the complexities, Austin remains committed to using her platform to advocate for justice for Jack and Lilly, driven by a genuine desire to keep their story alive.