After nearly two weeks of searching for two teenage fugitives from Vancouver Island, RCMP in Manitoba report another fruitless initiative.
According to an update, police have completed an underwater search of Nelson River near Gillam, MB for Port Alberni murder suspects, 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky.
See also:
- RCMP debunk online photo of man who looks like Vancouver Island murder suspect
- RCMP unable to verify tip of Vancouver Island murder suspects spotted in York Landing
Authorities say the search began after a damaged aluminum boat was found by RCMP officers on the shores of the River during a helicopter search on Friday, August 2nd.
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On Sunday, August 4th, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team completed their search of the river and will not be conducting additional dives.
Police say a roadblock has been set up in the Sundance, MB, area for ongoing search efforts.
The community is located a 45 minute drive away from Gillam, which has been the epicentre of the search for the two teenagers.
Background
The small community of Gillam, MB has been in the media spotlight over the past few weeks as the probable area in which 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky are hiding out.
McLeod and 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.
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.
