A file photo of Daniel Martell, the stepfather of missing Nova Scotia children, Lilly and Jack Sullivan. Ella MacDonald/Global News
An assault case involving Daniel Martell, the stepfather of missing Nova Scotia children, returned to court on Monday. Martell is facing charges of assault, sexual assault, and forcible confinement against an adult victim, unrelated to the missing children case.
Unlike his earlier arraignment, Martell did not appear in person at Pictou Provincial Court. His new lawyer, acquired through Nova Scotia Legal Aid, represented him.
Senior Crown Attorney Bill Gorman announced that the Crown has received additional evidence from the RCMP Pictou County District. Both the Crown and defense will review this new evidence before returning to court on May 4.
The alleged incidents occurred between September 2024 and March 2025. The complainant’s identity is protected under a publication ban.
Martell was in a common-law relationship with Malehya Brooks-Murray, the mother of Lilly and Jack. The children, aged six and four, were reported missing on May 2, 2025, from their home in Pictou County. Despite extensive searches, including police, volunteers, and cadaver dogs, they remain unlocated.
Martell has maintained his innocence in the missing persons case and has spoken to media multiple times since the disappearance. The case has garnered national and international attention.
Gorman noted that while public interest does not dictate prosecution, it is a factor considered in legal proceedings.