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Global News
7 hours ago
- Global News
Case of missing N.S. kids hits 2 months with no answers. What we know
Two months after a pair of young siblings went missing in rural Nova Scotia, police are remaining tight-lipped on whether they've uncovered any new information in a case that has captured international attention. Lilly and Jack Sullivan, aged six and four, were reported missing from their home in Pictou County on May 2. Multiple searches by police, search and rescue crews, and public volunteers have turned up no sign of the young children's whereabouts as the case hits the two-month mark. Asked on Wednesday to provide an update on the case, Nova Scotia RCMP referred Global News to their latest news release, issued June 11, that said the investigation continues and 'may take longer than we all hoped.' 0:59 Missing NS kids: Multiple agencies join the search for Lilly and Jack Sullivan The provincial government has offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information that leads to the children being found. The disappearance has been added to the province's Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which the province says is a 'tool to help police in major unsolved crime cases.' Story continues below advertisement The children's maternal grandmother told Global News last month that the family's focus is on finding Lilly and Jack, and that they hope the reward will help in the case. Here's what we know so far. What happened? Lilly and Jack were reported missing on the morning of May 2 from their home on Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station, which is about 30 kilometres from New Glasgow, N.S. The children's stepfather, Daniel Martell, told Global News at the time that Lilly and Jack were home Friday morning with him, his partner and their baby. When they noticed the children were missing, he said the family immediately ran outside to look for them. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy RCMP said the siblings were believed to have 'wandered away.' They noted that there was no evidence of abduction, so it didn't qualify for an Amber Alert. Story continues below advertisement For nearly a week, ground search and rescue crews, alongside police dogs, drones and aircraft, scoured the heavily wooded terrain surrounding Lansdowne Station through rainy and foggy conditions. On May 7, RCMP said the search for the siblings was being 'scaled back,' with police saying there was little chance the siblings could have survived several days in the heavily wooded area. 1:56 Missing N.S. children: RCMP narrow down timeline of disappearance Renewed searches in May of nearby bodies of water, as well as through specific areas by ground and air crews, uncovered no new evidence. Another targeted search around the family home in early June also failed to find anything new. On May 28, RCMP confirmed Lilly and Jack were seen in public with family members the day before being reported missing, based on video footage and eyewitness accounts. Story continues below advertisement Police put out a call that day for dashcam footage or video along Gairloch Road between noon on April 28 and noon on May 2. RCMP said on June 11 that they had collected hundreds of hours of video from that area and others surrounding Lansdowne Station since that public appeal. Nearly 500 tips from the public have also been received, assessed and followed up on. The release said investigators have formally interviewed 54 people — some of them with polygraph tests — and have been granted 'numerous judicial authorizations to seize and examine materials and devices that may provide information useful to the investigation.' 1:39 Many left wondering what's next after police call off search for missing N.S. kids Cpl. Sandy Matharu of the Northeast Nova RCMP major crime unit, who is leading the investigation, said in the statement that the 'coordinated and deliberate approach' by investigators in reviewing all information means finding answers that 'advance the investigation … may take longer than we all hoped.' Story continues below advertisement 'All scenarios are being considered, and we've engaged every tool and resource at our disposal,' Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon, the acting officer in charge of the Nova Scotia RCMP's major crimes division, said in the June 11 statement. What has the family said? Since the early days of the investigation, Martell, the children's stepfather, has called for the search to be expanded to provincial borders, airports and other exit points, in case the children were abducted. He told Global News he hasn't had contact with the children's mother since May 3, when she left the area. 'You don't have to trust my word, but I'm the only one doing media for Jack and Lilly — trying to keep this story alive and get them found,' he said in an interview during the first week of intense searches. Story continues below advertisement When reached by phone, the children's mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, said she had been advised by RCMP not to speak with the media further. Her mother, Cyndy Murray, also spoke to Global News at the time and said the family was hoping for a positive outcome. 2:11 Missing N.S. kids spotted day before disappearance, stepfather says he's taken polygraph Martell says he has taken a polygraph test, which he said he offered to undergo, as well as an hours-long interview with major crimes investigators. 'I do have results (of the polygraph) and I don't know if I can share those results, but they were good in my favour. I'll say that,' he told Global News in late May. He has repeatedly insisted he was not involved in Lilly and Jack's disappearance, despite rampant online speculation. Martell attended a public candlelight vigil outside the RCMP detachment in Stellarton, N.S., on June 3, marking one month since the children went missing. Story continues below advertisement RCMP say anyone who may have information that may be helpful in the case can contact the Northeast Nova RCMP major crime unit or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers. — with files from Global's Rebecca Lau
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
Called 6-year-old son ‘possessed': US woman with India ties on FBI's most wanted list
A year after 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez vanished without a trace, his mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, has been indicted for capital murder by a Texas grand jury — and now features on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a $250,000 reward for information leading to her arrest. Authorities say the 40-year-old, who has ties to India and Mexico, was last seen boarding a flight to India with her husband Arshdeep Singh and six other children on March 22, 2023, just days before an Amber Alert was issued for Noel in March 2023, is accused of subjecting her severely disabled son to prolonged abuse and neglect, according to USA Today. Noel, who suffered from chronic lung disease, despite repeated welfare checks and inconsistent stories, was last seen in October 2022 shortly after his mother gave birth to twins. USA Today reported that witnesses said Rodriguez-Singh believed her son was 'possessed' or 'had a demon in him', and feared he would 'hunt' the newborns. At a press conference on Tuesday, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said: 'The disappearance and suspected death of Noel Alvarez is still fresh in the minds of everyone in Everman as well as throughout North Texas. The addition of Cindy Rodriguez Singh to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List is an opportunity to bring this case to the eyes and ears of citizens across the country and around the world.' 'We are confident this publicity will culminate in her arrest and she will be returned to the United States to answer for her alleged crimes.' Authorities say Noel was last seen in October 2022, around the time his mother gave birth to twins. On March 20, 2023, acting on a request from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Everman police conducted a welfare check for the child. During the visit, Singh falsely claimed that Noel had been living with his biological father in Mexico since November 2022. Singh has told multiple people conflicting stories about what happened to Noel, including a bizarre claim that she 'sold' him to a woman in a supermarket parking lot, a claim police say has no evidence. Just before the family left Texas, Singh spent the family's entire tax refund to build a patio, requesting an area to be made 'thicker,' according to police. Her husband, Arshdeep, reportedly disposed of a carpet in a dumpster before their departure. A cadaver dog later alerted authorities to both the carpet and the newly built patio, USA Today reported. Despite the lack of a recovered body, Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said charges are still moving forward. 'There are situations where we may not ever find a body,' Spencer said, as quoted by USA Today. 'That doesn't preclude the DA's office from getting a murder conviction.' Rodriguez-Singh faces capital murder, two counts of injury to a child, and abandoning a child without intent to return. Authorities believe she severely restricted Noel's access to food and water, because Singh 'did not want to change his diapers' and even hitting him with keys when he tried to drink. He was never enrolled in school and began missing medical appointments months before his disappearance, USA Today reported. Noel's body has still not been found. Rodriguez-Singh was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list this week. Authorities say they are working with the FBI, US Marshals Service, and Department of Homeland Security to bring her back from India. On October 31, 2023, Singh was charged with capital murder by a Tarrant County court in Fort Worth, Texas. A federal arrest warrant was issued two days later for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. On August 29, 2024, the FBI announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction, but increased the amount on Tuesday. 'This is a promise we made to him and to this community,' said Spencer in a recent press conference. 'That we would never stop until those responsible are held accountable.' The FBI urges anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit Singh is described as 5'1″–5'3″, with brown hair, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos. She may be traveling internationally using aliases.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
What is a heat dome as UK roasted by 34C heat this week
Unbearably warm weather like this is often caused by what is known as the "heat dome" effect. What is a 'heat dome' and what causes it? The term "heat dome" is used to describe conditions that are not too dissimilar to a pizza oven, according to Sky News. This is caused when an area of high pressure lingers over a region for days or weeks. The pressure traps the hot air like the dome of a pizza oven, baking the air and surface underneath. As the ground parches, it begins to absorb more of the heat, making conditions much worse. Is the heat dome effect coming to the UK this week? A heat dome is currently sitting above Europe at the moment, with the UK being at the cusp of its reach. This means the UK is being impacted by the heat dome effect in much the same way as countries like Greece, which are basking in 40C weather, are. Which areas are covered by the heat-health alert in England this week? Several regions across England are covered by the heat-health alert issued by the Met Office and UKHSA. These are the following places covered by the Amber Alert, which has been in place since Thursday and Friday. West Midlands Yorkshire and the Humber regions East Midlands South East South West London East of England Recommended Reading: Discussing the heatwave, Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "The current spell of hot weather is forecast to continue until the middle of this week, with temperatures above 30°C likely in most regions of England. "We are reminding everyone to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. "Remember that it is very important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable, as the temperatures we are likely to see over the next few days can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions."
2 days ago
Travis Decker timeline: How an 'active dad' ended up allegedly murdering his 3 daughters
In a mystery that has captured national attention, Washington father Travis Decker picked up his three young daughters on May 30 for a "planned visitation," and never came back. The three girls -- Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5 -- were found dead near a Washington state campground on June 2, according to police. Decker, who has been accused of murdering the three girls, has since disappeared, sparking a multi-agency manhunt. Nearly one month after the girls' bodies were found, the manhunt for Decker continues. Here's a timeline of what we know about the murder of the three sisters, who were described by their mother Whitney Decker as having "warm and open hearts." May 30 Travis Decker, 32, picked up the girls at their home in Wenatchee Valley, talked to his ex-wife for about 15 to 20 minutes and then left, Arianna Cozart, Whitney Decker's attorney, told ABC News. "He said, 'Hey, I will see you at 8 [p.m.],' and he left, and he never came back," Cozart said. Whitney Decker contacted police that evening with a civil complaint, saying she had not heard from Travis Decker and he had failed to bring the girls home at their scheduled time, officials said. She attempted to call her ex-husband multiple times, but his cellphone was going straight to voicemail and she began to express concern because he "reportedly has never done this before and further noted he is currently experiencing some mental health issues," according to court records. May 31 Detectives later learned Travis Decker and his daughters did not arrive at a "planned 5K running event" on May 31, according to court documents. The Wenatchee Police Department announced the disappearance of the three girls, stating that Travis Decker was "homeless and living in his vehicle or at various hotels/motels or at campgrounds in the area." Police said at the time that the investigation had not met Amber Alert criteria, but they did issue an Endangered Missing Person Alert through the Washington State Patrol. June 2 At approximately 3 p.m. on June 2, officials located Travis Decker's vehicle unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, police said in a press release. Additional law enforcement officers responded to the scene and found the bodies of the three girls, but "Decker was not located." "We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time," police said. Officials began their search for Travis Decker, who police said is a former member of the military with "extensive training." Travis Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts first-degree kidnapping, police said. June 4 Two days after the girls were found, the manhunt continued for Travis Decker, with officials saying he could be "anywhere within the nation." "Travis, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in, do the right thing, do what you need to do and take accountability for your actions. We're not going to rest, and we're going to make sure we find you. You will be brought to justice, those young ladies deserve it," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during a press conference. Reports of a possible sighting of Travis Decker in Idaho on June 4 were debunked by authorities the same day, officials said. "Based off the information we got back was that the sighting in McCall, Idaho, was not our suspect, Morrison said in a press conference. Court documents obtained by ABC News revealed more details regarding the crime scene, including that there were plastic bags over the heads of each girl and their wrists were zip-tied. Around Travis Decker's vehicle, deputies located zip ties and plastic bags "strewn throughout the area," and the tailgate of the truck had what appeared to be "two hand prints of blood," according to the documents. Authorities also learned that Travis Decker was well-versed in wilderness survival and could be capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own with very little equipment. More information about Travis Decker's military background also emerged, specifically that he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 while on active duty in the Army and was then transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021 "from the active component," according to a spokesperson for the Washington State Military Department. Preparations for an "administration separation" began in 2023 or 2024, but the process had not officially started and he remained in the Washington National Guard, the spokesperson said. Local officials began working with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshal's Office in their search efforts. June 5 Cozart revealed to ABC News more information on Travis Decker, specifically that he lacked mental health resources and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. "The courts didn't fail these girls. It wasn't the judge and it wasn't Whitney; it was our system," Cozart said. "[Whitney] feels like the system really let Travis down. If somebody would have provided Travis with the help that he needed, those girls would be alive." Before the girls disappeared, Cozart said there "were no red flags" and that he "loved those girls very much." Additional details on Travis Decker and Whitney Decker's marriage emerged, including that his PTSD was something he "always carried with him" during their 10 years together, with Travis Decker screaming in the middle of the night, soaking the bed and only getting one or two hours of sleep, Cozart said. After their marriage ended in 2023, Whitney Decker -- who has full custody of the children -- decided to seek legal counsel and petitioned the court to "put restrictions in place on his parenting" due to "concerning factors regarding Travis' mental health and stability," Cozart said. Cozart told ABC News the court at the time granted visitations for the father to visit the children for three hours on Fridays and eight hours every other weekend, so long as he remained in Wenatchee Valley with the girls. This parenting agreement was "working really well" until May 30, Cozart said. June 9 An autopsy determined the girls' cause of death to be suffocation and the manner of death was ruled as a homicide, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The sheriff's office said it had "collected a large amount of evidence, many of the suspect's personal items," from the truck, though the analysis of the evidence "creates more questions and information for investigators to continue to pursue." Blood samples taken from the scene included human and non-human, the sheriff's office said. "Further DNA and fingerprint analyses are still being conducted," the sheriff's office said. The suspect's dog had also been recovered and turned over to a humane society for care, officials said. June 10 An affidavit obtained by ABC News revealed that Travis Decker had made several internet searches four days before he picked up the girls about moving to Canada. His Google searches included "how does a person move to Canada" and "how to relocate to Canada," the affidavit said. The U.S. Marshals Service, which is leading the search for the suspect, announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Travis Decker's arrest. June 17 Officials released a new suspect flyer of Decker, including photos of potential ways Decker may have altered his appearance in the weeks since he was last seen. June 20 A memorial is held for the three sisters, with mother Whitney Decker speaking for the first time since the death of her daughters. "I'm so thankful for the time that I had with the girls. I truly hope that the legacy of the girls' lives lives in everyone's hearts forever. They were incredible," Whitney Decker said. June 23 Officials release an update regarding the search efforts, stating that "there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area." The Chelan County Sheriff's Office also confirmed to ABC News that cadaver dogs have been deployed and utilized in the search, along with tracking dogs. "We can't and won't quit this search," Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers said in a statement. "Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker deserve justice. Decker remains a danger to the public as long as he's at large." Detectives have investigated "dozens and dozens and dozens" of potential sightings, tips and leads, with none being successful. June 27 Todd McGhee, a law enforcement and security analyst, told ABC News he believes the fugitive father is likely still alive and will "eventually surface," since canines have "not picked up on any type of cadaver or any type of presence of a deceased body." "Canines are trained to look for cadavers and sniff for those types of odors, so he's still maybe on the move," McGhee said. McGhee said Travis Decker will likely "leverage every bit" of his military experience but said he believes he will "eventually surface." "He'll eventually have to surface through seeking shelter, seeking food, nutrition -- those types of things will require him to come out of hiding and, to some degree, expose himself to the general public," McGhee said. Regardless of where Travis Decker may be, McGhee said he is "confident" the search efforts will lead to some form of closure.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Amber Alert canceled; man in police custody after missing 1-year-old found safe in Columbus
One man is in police custody after a missing child at the center of an overnight Amber Alert was found safe in Columbus. The alert was issued around 3 a.m. June 28 for 1-year-old Milena Gebremeskel, who was last seen at a home on the 6200 block of Thornton Avenue, on the city's Northeast Side, according to the alert. A Columbus police dispatcher said the girl was found soon after in a Kohl's parking lot on North Hamilton Road. She was found with Siem Gebremeskel, 24, the girl's father and the suspect listed in the Amber Alert. The Amber Alert was canceled shortly before 4 a.m. Gebremeskel was taken into custody, according to a Columbus police dispatcher. No other details about the incident were immediately available. Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at shendrix@ and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Amber Alert: Man in custody after missing child found safe
