Thursday, March 28, 2024

Manhunt for Vancouver Island murder suspects continues after RCMP receive over 200 tips

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Manitoba RCMP have recently extended their search for two teenage killers from BC who have been on the run for over a week.

The manhunt for Port Alberni residents 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky has been focused in the area of Gillam, MB and police have received over 200 tips about the teenagers over the past 5 days.

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On Sunday evening, RCMP tweeted that multiple police resources were being sent to York Landing, a small community located approximately 3.5 hours away from Gillam, to investigate a possible sighting of the boys.

According to the latest update, no one has been taken into custody at this time and a heavy police presence continues the search in York Landing.

Manitoba RCMP Twitter account also warns residents against disclosing the location of officers engaged in the search by posting photos of them on social media.

19-year-old McLeod and 18-year-old Schmegelsky have been charged with second degree murder in the death of 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck. His body was found on July 19th at a pullout on Highway 37 in Northern BC.

The two teenagers are also suspects in the deaths of 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson who were found shot and killed on the side of the highway near Liard Hot Springs on July 15th, approximately 470 kilometres away from where the boys’ car was found.

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

While photos of the two teens have been released, police say that the pair may have altered their appearance.

(Search in Gillam/Manitoba RCMP)

The search for the pair has been focus in and around Gillam, MB and RCMP say they have completed their canvass of Fox Lake Cree Nation.

“In the areas surrounding Gillam, officers are searching cottages, cabins, waterways, and along the rail line for any signs of the suspects. This search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot and in the air,” said RCMP in a statement on Sunday.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force began their assistance with the search on July 27 and will continue to provide assistance throughout the day.”

Police are also aware that many tips of sightings have been posted to social media in the last few days and not directly reported to police.

In their statement, RCMP explain that if these social media tips are valid, it can create a substantial delay in the response by police and be detrimental to the overall investigation.

Anyone who sees the pair is asked not to approach them and to call 911 immediately.
Otherwise, anyone with information on McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to contact the RCMP Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.

(Canadian Armed Forces assist with the search in Gillam/Manitoba RCMP)
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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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