RCMP to scale down search efforts for BC fugitives in northern Manitoba

RCMP to scale down search efforts for BC teen fugitives in northern Manitoba

Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod (BC RCMP)

Manitoba RCMP announced today that it will begin to scale down its search efforts in the northern part of the province for BC teen murder suspects, Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky

On July 28, RCMP refocused its search from Gillam, Manitoba to York Landing but officers were unable to find the fugitives who are charged with second-degree murder in the death of one man and named as suspects in the death of two others.

“Over the last week, we have done everything we can to locate the suspects,” said Jane MacLatchy, commanding officer for Manitoba RCMP, at a news conference.

The teens are each facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of Vancouver resident Leonard Dyck, whose body was found near a burnt-out pickup truck, close to Dease Lake, BC on July 19.

They are also suspects in the deaths of 24-year-old Chynna Noelle Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson Fowler.

No confirmed sightings

According to McLatchy, RCMP and military personnel searched over 11,000 square kilometres of land in northern Manitoba and canvassed 500 homes and buildings.

“We searched rail lines, hydro corridors, lakes, rivers, vast areas of tundra, and muskeg, dense forests and brush. We conducted exhaustive searched on foot with dogs and all-terrain vehicles. We used boats on lakes and searched from the air with drones, helicopters, and planes,” said MacLatchy, adding that over 250 tips were received and followed up on.

Authorities were previously focusing their search on Gillum, Manitoba, after the RAV4 McLeod and Schmegelsky were driving was discovered on fire near that area.

“Even with this extraordinary effort, we have not had any confirmed sightings of the suspects since the burned vehicle was accounted,” she said.

This has prompted the RCMP to scale down the scope of its search efforts in northern Manitoba.

“This will include the phased withdrawal of the majority of specialized RCMP and RCAF assets over the coming week,” said MacLatchy.

Search is not ending

The RCMP says despite the scale down, this does not mean the search is ending.

“A number of tactical resources and specialized assets will remain positioned in the Gillum area and will continue to locate the murder suspects,” said MacLatchy.

The RCMP is also considering the possibility that the suspects had assistance to flee the area and is encouraging the public to remain vigilant and submit tips.

“Something that may seem insignificant to you may be extremely valuable to our investigators,” said MacLatchy.

BC RCMP

Kam McLeod is described as:

6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Dark brown hair and facial hair
Brown eyes

Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:

6 foot 4
Approximately 169 pounds
Sandy brown hair

The BC RCMP Major Crime tiplines remain open in support of the Leonard Dyck, Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese homicide investigations. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-543-4822 or 778-290-5291.

Anyone who sees McLeod or Schmegelsky is instructed to call 911 immediately.

See also: