Nine months after Lily and Jack Sullivan disappeared, members of their family have spoken publicly for the first time, describing the prolonged uncertainty as “absolute torture.” In an exclusive interview released February 4, 2026, by CBC News, the children’s maternal grandmother, Cindy Murray, detailed the emotional toll of not knowing what happened to the siblings.

Murray characterized the past nine months as deeply painful, emphasizing the strain placed on the family as the investigation continued. The interview marked the first extended public remarks from immediate relatives since the children were reported missing.

Family friend Cheryl Robinson also spoke in the interview, describing the condition of the children’s mother, Malehya Brooks Murray. Robinson stated that Brooks Murray has lost a significant amount of weight and has largely withdrawn from online discussion surrounding the case. According to Robinson, Brooks Murray has been attempting to cope privately while taking the situation “day by day.”

The family addressed questions about why Brooks Murray remained publicly silent during a period when her former partner, Daniel Martell, participated in multiple media interviews. According to Murray, the silence was not an admission of guilt or avoidance but rather a response shaped by trauma and personal safety concerns.

Court documents referenced in the report indicate that Brooks Murray previously told police she experienced physical abuse during her relationship with Martell. These allegations are documented in court filings but have not been adjudicated in relation to the children’s disappearance.

Six days before the CBC interview aired, Martell was arrested on charges unrelated to Lily and Jack’s disappearance. Authorities confirmed that the arrest involved an adult complainant and separate allegations. Martell has been charged but not convicted, and the case remains before the court. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty under Canadian law.

Legal experts note that allegations contained in court records form part of the judicial process but do not constitute findings of guilt. Domestic violence claims referenced in filings are subject to legal scrutiny and evidentiary standards.

The CBC interview also highlighted geographic isolation as a complicating factor in both the investigation and the family’s ability to respond publicly. Remote settings can create logistical challenges for law enforcement and media engagement alike.

Throughout the nine-month period, speculation circulated online regarding the family’s silence. The grandmother’s interview sought to provide context, framing the absence of public statements as a trauma response rather than evidence of concealment.

The disappearance of Lily and Jack Sullivan initially prompted widespread search efforts. Over time, the investigation transitioned into a criminal inquiry, though no final determination has been announced regarding the children’s whereabouts.

Authorities have not indicated that the recent arrest of Martell is directly connected to the children’s disappearance. Officials have maintained that the charges involve a separate matter. The distinction has been emphasized by legal analysts who caution against conflating parallel proceedings.

As the case continues through the Canadian legal system, the family’s decision to speak publicly marks a significant moment. For relatives, the absence of answers has compounded grief with uncertainty.

The investigation remains active. No convictions have been issued in connection with the disappearance. Court proceedings involving unrelated charges are ongoing.

For now, the family’s words — describing the experience as “absolute torture” — reflect the emotional dimension of a case still unresolved. Further developments are expected as legal processes continue.