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.
All efforts are being made in York Landing to apprehend two individuals matching the description of the suspects. The safety of community members is our priority. We remind residents to stay inside & check all doors & windows to ensure they are closed & locked. #rcmpmb
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 29, 2019
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.
Please do not disclose officer locations by posting photos of our officers in the community to social media.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 28, 2019
It is critical that residents of York Landing remain vigilant & stay indoors as much as possible with their doors locked, & to report anything suspicious by calling their local police immediately.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 29, 2019
Officers on the ground have not made contact with the individuals, as such, the RCMP is not yet in a position to confirm that these are the wanted suspects.
The goal today remains to safely locate and apprehend the individuals and confirm their identities.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 29, 2019
Officers searched the York Landing area throughout the night and continue their efforts today. The Royal Canadian Air Force is also assisting today with the search.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 29, 2019
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.
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.