Stepfather of missing N.S. kids arraigned on assault, confinement charges

The father of two missing Nova Scotia kids was arraigned on charges of assault and unlawful confinement.

The stepfather of two missing Nova Scotia children has been arraigned on charges of assault, unlawful confinement and sexual assault.

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says Daniel Martell, who was arrested in January, will return to Pictou Provincial Court for election and plea on March 30.

A publication ban on any information that could identify the alleged victim was ordered.

None of the charges against Martell have been proven in court.

Martell is the stepfather of Lilly and Jack Sullivan, who were reported missing from their Gairloch Road home in Lansdowne Station, N.S., on May 2, 2025. Police have conducted multiple extensive searches for the missing siblings, but have yet to find them.

The charges against Martell are not related to the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page