Daniel Martell, the stepfather of missing children Lily and Jack Sullivan, has finally broken his silence in the wake of their disappearance, delivering a public statement that was meant to bring clarity and compassion. But instead of providing reassurance, his appearance has raised new questions—and an eerie sense that something doesn’t quite sit right.

It has been over a week since six-year-old Lily and four-year-old Jack were last seen near their home on Gairloch Road in rural Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The children’s disappearance has prompted one of the most extensive search operations in recent provincial history, drawing in local RCMP, Search and Rescue teams, air support, canine units, and countless volunteers. With each passing day, the urgency has only grown. But alongside that urgency has been a growing undercurrent of suspicion, especially concerning the circumstances surrounding the children’s last known moments.

In his first on-camera interview since the children went missing, Daniel Martell appeared solemn and emotionally exhausted. Standing just outside the RCMP command post, he thanked search crews for their tireless efforts and asked the public to keep an eye out for any clues. He repeatedly emphasized his love for Lily and Jack and said he was “holding on to hope” that they would come home.

But something about the interview triggered unease among many viewers. Martell’s delivery was calm—but almost too calm. His statements were laced with vague wording, moments of hesitation, and repeated shifts in tone that gave an impression of discomfort rather than raw emotion. Viewers noted that he seldom used the children’s names directly, referring to them as “the kids” or “they” in most instances, a detail that some interpreted as distancing language.

Several details in Martell’s account of the events leading up to the children’s disappearance were inconsistent with earlier statements made by other family members. He mentioned being asleep when the children left the house, but this contradicted an earlier report that suggested both he and Amanda Sullivan, the children’s mother, were awake and present in the home at the time. Martell also described realizing they were missing “around mid-morning,” while the official timeline lists the disappearance as being reported shortly after 10 a.m.

Compounding these concerns are lingering questions about Martell’s past interactions with authorities. Just days before Lily and Jack went missing, the youngest child in the Sullivan household—a 16-month-old named Meadow—was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services. Martell was reportedly denied access to visit Meadow at the CPS office in Stellarton, with officials citing concerns regarding her safety. He acknowledged this incident during his interview but downplayed its relevance, describing it as “an unrelated misunderstanding.”

For many in the community, the inconsistencies were enough to raise alarm bells. Social media quickly lit up with speculation, with some users accusing Martell of hiding something or failing to fully cooperate with the investigation. Others came to his defense, cautioning that grief and trauma can manifest in unexpected ways, and urging people not to judge based on tone alone.

Despite the public suspicion, authorities have not named Martell—or anyone else—as a suspect. RCMP have reiterated that this remains a missing persons case and that no criminal charges have been filed. They continue to investigate all possible scenarios, including foul play, abduction, or accidental disappearance. Officers have confirmed that Martell has participated in multiple interviews with investigators and has allowed searches of his property.

Still, law enforcement officials have been notably tight-lipped about what, if anything, they have learned from Martell’s statements. A source close to the investigation confirmed that his interview “raised more questions than it answered,” and that authorities are working to verify each part of his timeline through surveillance, witness accounts, and phone records.

Amanda Sullivan, the children’s biological mother, has remained largely out of the public eye, appearing emotionally distressed when seen at the search command post. According to those familiar with the family, tensions between Amanda and Martell have increased since CPS removed Meadow from their home. Some believe the strain may have had broader consequences within the household. Amanda has not publicly addressed Martell’s interview, and neither has her legal representative.

The emotional weight of the case has taken a toll on the community. Neighbors who initially joined the search effort have now turned their attention toward demanding answers. Posters featuring Lily and Jack’s faces are taped to telephone poles, storefront windows, and car windshields across Pictou County. Candlelight vigils have been held nightly in nearby towns, with local clergy offering prayers for the children’s safe return.

One volunteer involved in the search effort, who asked not to be named, said that while many initially sympathized with the Sullivan family, trust has begun to erode. “We just want to find the kids. But every time a new detail comes out, it doesn’t make sense. We’re not sure who to believe anymore.”

RCMP have expanded the search radius and are reportedly using new technologies to scan bodies of water and dense brush areas. Despite the scaling back of some ground operations, the case remains active and fluid, with teams rechecking previously searched zones. Officers are also looking into tips from the public, including those related to any possible vehicles spotted in the area on the day the children vanished.

In the absence of solid leads, the focus continues to hover over those closest to Lily and Jack. As public pressure mounts, it’s likely that Martell will be asked to clarify his statements further. Whether he chooses to do so, and how the RCMP interpret his cooperation, may play a critical role in the days to come.

For now, the questions hang in the air—where are Lily and Jack Sullivan, and what really happened on that quiet stretch of Gairloch Road? Daniel Martell has spoken, but until the children are found, his words will remain just one part of a deeply troubling mystery that has yet to unfold.