RCMP debunk online photo of man who looks like Vancouver Island murder suspect

As the manhunt for the two murder suspects from Vancouver Island continues, Manitoba RCMP have also had to deal with social media speculation after an image of a man posing with a photo of the two suspects went viral.

In the image, a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to one of the Port Alberni fugitives (Kam McLeod) is seen posing with the front page of the Winnipeg Sun.

See also:

• RCMP have identified 3rd homicide victim and charged teens with his murder
• RCMP confirm burnt vehicle in Manitoba linked to Vancouver Island murder suspects

The page features a side-by-side photo of 19-year-old McLeod and his accomplice, 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky.

In a tweet Friday morning, Manitoba RCMP confirmed that the poser is not one of the two suspects, despite the resemblance.

“We understand many people are experiencing fear & uncertainty over this incident but spreading online rumours doesn’t help,” police added in a second Tweet.

McLeoud and Schmegelsky are wanted in connection with the murders of three people in northern B.C.

Saskatchewan RCMP had received reports of the suspects being spotted in Meadow Lake, Sask. on July 21. Then on Wednesday, Manitoba RCMP confirmed the RAV4 the suspects were travelling in was found burned out in the Gillam, Man. area on the evening of July 22.

McLeod and Schmegelsky are considered armed and dangerous. They may be using a different vehicle, are on foot, or may even be travelling separately. Anyone who sees them is asked to call 911 or their local police department immediately.

Another tweet on Friday showed the presence of a large number of RCMP officers in the Gillam area conducting the extensive manhunt for the two teenagers.

Background

Two Port Alberni teens, Kam Mcleod and Bryer Schmegelsky are considered suspects in the deaths of three people in Northern BC this month — a travelling couple and a lone male.

The teens were initially considered missing persons on Monday after the vehicle they were travelling in was found burning off the side of Highway 37 in northern BC near the location of the deceased man on July 19th.

On Tuesday, police changed their assessment and announced that the pair were now considered suspects in the death of the man and the travelling couple.

The couple, 25-year-old Chynna Deese and 23-year-old Lucas Robertson, 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 teens’ car was found.

The man discovered deceased on July 19 at a pullout on Highway 37 was later identified as 64-year-old University of British Columbia lecturer Leonard Dyck.

Police believe that McLeod and Schmegelsky are likely still travelling, though there destination is not known at this time.

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.

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’s Major Crime Tipline at 1-877-543-4822, or 778-290-5291.