Canadian investigators say newly surfaced text messages could mark a significant development in the long-running investigation into the disappearance of 6-year-old Lilly Sullivan and 4-year-old Jack Sullivan, who vanished in Nova Scotia on May 2, 2025.

According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the messages — which recently leaked online — are now being examined as part of the official case file. Authorities have not released the full contents publicly, but investigators say the texts may provide insight into intent, behavior, and actions taken around the time the children disappeared.

The leaked messages are reportedly between Daniel Martell and Malehya Brooks-Murray, two individuals whose names have circulated publicly in connection with the case. RCMP has emphasized that the investigation remains active and that no charges have been announced at this time.

What has intensified public attention is how investigators are reportedly interpreting the messages. According to law enforcement sources, the texts may demonstrate resentment toward the children, discussions suggesting planning, and what appear to be coordinated narratives after the fact. Investigators say such elements, if authenticated and contextualized, can be legally significant.

In criminal investigations, messages that indicate “consciousness of guilt” — such as efforts to align stories or explain away suspicious events — are often scrutinized closely by prosecutors. Legal experts note that while such evidence does not automatically establish guilt, it can play a pivotal role when combined with timelines, forensic findings, and witness statements.

The case has remained unresolved for seven months, a period marked by extensive searches, public appeals, and growing frustration among community members. Despite the length of the investigation, RCMP has consistently stated that the case never went cold.

The confirmation that leaked texts are now formally part of the investigative record suggests a possible shift in momentum. Investigators say digital communications often provide context that physical evidence alone cannot, particularly in cases involving disappearances rather than confirmed crime scenes.

According to those familiar with the matter, the texts are being analyzed not only for their content, but also for metadata, timing, and consistency with established timelines. When messages are sent, how quickly responses follow, and whether statements change over time can all carry evidentiary weight.

RCMP officials have been careful in their public language. They have not characterized the messages as definitive proof, nor have they stated that charges are imminent. Instead, they have described the texts as “relevant” and “potentially significant,” underscoring that further corroboration is required.

For prosecutors, cases involving missing children present unique challenges. Without direct evidence of what happened, legal teams must often rely on circumstantial evidence to establish probable cause. Text messages, particularly those suggesting planning or coordinated explanations, can help bridge gaps in the narrative.

Public reaction intensified after reports framed the messages as a potential “smoking gun.” Legal analysts caution that such language is premature. While texts can be powerful, courts require rigorous standards of authentication, context, and relevance before admitting them as evidence.

Nevertheless, the emotional weight of the case cannot be ignored. Lilly and Jack were reported missing on May 2, 2025, triggering widespread concern and an immediate search effort. Over time, the lack of answers has deepened anxiety and speculation, particularly in online spaces.

RCMP has urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on partial information. Investigators note that leaked material often lacks full context and may omit details critical to understanding meaning and intent.

At the same time, law enforcement officials acknowledge that digital evidence has become central to modern criminal investigations. In many cases, text messages have provided the connective tissue between otherwise isolated facts.

If charges are eventually laid, prosecutors would need to demonstrate that the messages align with other evidence in the case. That could include location data, witness testimony, and any physical or forensic findings gathered during the investigation.

The involvement of leaked material also raises procedural considerations. Defense attorneys may challenge how the messages were obtained, whether they were altered, and whether their public circulation affects admissibility. These factors would be addressed during pretrial proceedings if the case advances.

For now, RCMP’s confirmation serves as a signal that investigators believe the texts warrant serious attention. It does not indicate a conclusion, but it does suggest that the evidentiary picture is evolving.

Community members and observers continue to hope for clarity, accountability, and answers. The phrase “seven months” has become a painful marker of time passed without resolution.

As the investigation proceeds, RCMP has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all credible evidence and following it wherever it leads. Officials say updates will be provided when appropriate and when doing so does not compromise the integrity of the case.

The disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan remains one of the most closely watched cases in the region. Whether the leaked messages ultimately lead to charges or simply refine the investigative focus, they have undeniably shifted the public conversation.

For now, the case stands at a critical juncture — one where digital words, sent months ago, may shape what happens next.