The search continues in and around Gillam for a pair of British Columbia men wanted in connection to three violent deaths.
Officers continue to search what police have described as “high probability areas” near Gillam for 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky. The duo are wanted by police in connection to the violent deaths of three people in northern British Columbia - American tourist Chynna Deese, her Australian boyfriend Lucas Fowler and university lecturer Leonard Dyck.
Door-to-door canvassing in Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation will be conducted in the next three days, along with the ongoing ground and air searches of the Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation area.
No recent confirmed sightings of the pair have been reported outside Gillam, but police are open to the possibility that McLeod and Schmegelsky may have left the area. Over 120 tips in the case have been received by police within the past week.
RCMP are looking into whether or not someone may have assisted the pair in leaving the area, adding the two may have changed their appearance and received a ride away from unwitting motorists.
“They may have different appearances. Maybe people didn’t realize they were helping them,” said Manitoba RCMP Cpl. Julie Courchaine in a press conference Friday.
Police presence near Gillam has increased dramatically, with sniffer dogs, helicopters, drones and heavy armoured vehicles brought into the area to track down the suspects. Officers from Manitoba and Ontario have been enlisted to help with the search.
RCMP have also cautioned the public against sharing unconfirmed information or rumours on the case on social media, including information on police tactics and locations.
“I also want to stress the importance of not creating and sharing online rumours. The spreading of false information in communities across Manitoba has created fear and panic,” said Courchaine.
“Be assured that it is in our best interest to share confirmed facts as soon as possible, both in advancing our investigation and with respect to public safety.”
In one instance, a photo circulated on social media showing a man similar in appearance to McLeod posing with an issue of a Winnipeg newspaper, with many users suggesting that McLeod and Schmegelsky may have left the Gillam area. Manitoba RCMP confirmed Friday the photo was circulated online as a joke and does not show McLeod.
“It is in our best interest to share facts as soon as possible,” said Courchaine.
“We want people to call us, to say, ‘Hey, this is out there,’ so we can go and determine the validity of that.”
Police advise to not approach the suspects if spotted and to either call 911 or a local RCMP detachment. Gillam RCMP can be reached at 204-652-2200. Thompson RCMP can be reached at 204-677-6911.
