Mounties continue to investigate three murders in northern B.C. as they await autopsy results expected to confirm that their two suspects have been found dead in northern Manitoba.
Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett said Wednesday (Aug. 7) that his officers in B.C. have worked "tirelessly" since their investigation began in mid-July.
The two suspects in the killings, Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky, are believed to be dead. Manitoba RCMP reported Wednesday that two bodies were found in the dense brush along the Nelson River near Gillam, where the suspects were last seen. Several pieces of evidence linked to the two, both 19, were found nearby, police said.
"We still need to ensure our investigative findings ... continues to confirm our investigative theory, and eliminates other theories and suspects," Hackett said.
Medical examiners in Manitoba will conduct an autopsy on the found bodies on Thursday, Hackett noted. "We believe they are, in fact, the individuals," he said.
McLeod and Schmegelsky were wanted on second-degree murder charges for the killing of Leonard Dyck, who was found a few kilometres from the teens’ burned-out pickup truck on Highway 37 near Dease Lake July 19.
They are also suspects in the killings of American Chynna Deese and Australian Lucas Fowler. Their bodies were found along the Alaska Highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15.
RCMP are awaiting the results of forensic evidence and reports before laying charges in the killings of Fowler and Deese.
There is significant evidence linking both crime scenes together, Hackett said, adding he anticipates further charges will be laid.
There is no indication the victims were targeted, Hackett said, adding it will be extremely difficult to determine a motive for the killings.
"Obviously, we will not have the opportunity to speak with these individuals," he said.
B.C. RCMP are providing support to the Fowler, Deese and Dyck families, as well as the families of McLeod and Schmegelsky, Hackett said.
More to come...
