Manitoba RCMP believe two potential suspects in a trio of murders in B.C. may still be in the Gillam area.
In a press conference July 25, RCMP confirmed there have been two established sightings of 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky in the Gillam area. 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.
A vehicle found burned in a ditch near Gillam has been confirmed by RCMP to be the vehicle used by McLeod and Schmegelsky. The two reported sightings took place before the vehicle was found.
"We can now confirm that there have been two established and corroborated sightings of the suspects in the Gillam area. These sightings were prior to the discovery of the burnt out vehicle. There have also been no reported stolen vehicles that could be attributed to the suspects. At this point in the investigation, we believe they are still in this area," reads a release by Manitoba RCMP.
Police continue to investigate, with members from multiple detachments headed or heading to Gillam to assist. Officers have begun air and ground searches near the area. RCMP have reported receiving 80 tips over the past two days in relation to the case.
"It's very challenging terrain. There's lots of dense bush, forest, swampy areas. It is very challenging," said RCMP Cpl. Julie Courchaine in a press conference Thursday afternoon.
"Right now, we're going through tips. We're investigating everything. There's tips coming in all the time."
A checkstop at the intersection of Provincial Roads 280 and 290 north of Gillam is still in place.
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.
