RCMP continue ongoing search in Manitoba for wanted suspects in BC homicides

RCMP in Manitoba announced on Tuesday that a search of the York Landing area, which included the use of helicopters, drones, military resources, and door to door canvasses, to track down 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky of Port Alberni, B.C., has been completed.

McLeod and Schmegelsky have been charged in the murder of Leonard Dyck, 64, of Vancouver and are suspects in the homicides of Chynna Noelle Deese, 24, of the United States, Lucas Robertson Fowler, 23, of Australia.

RCMP said they are unable to substantiate the tip that the suspects had been in the area. The heavy police presence in York Landing has been withdrawn and policing resources in the community is back to normal. The RCMP thanked the community for their patience and understanding, and continues to remind residents to remain vigilant.

RCMP said their resources remain in the Gillam area and will continue to conduct searches in high probability areas for any signs of the suspects. The search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot and in the air.

The informational check-stop at PR 280 and PR 290, the road leading into Gillam, has been removed.

Officers have now completed their door to door canvasses in Fox Lake Cree Nation and the Town of Gillam. To date, over 500 homes have been visited by investigators.

The Royal Canadian Air Force continues to assist with the search.

Investigators have now received over 260 tips in the past seven days. None have established that the suspects are outside of the Gillam area. However, the RCMP continue to remind the public that it is possible the suspects inadvertently received assistance and are no longer in the area. RCMP say they continue to investigate all possibilities.

Anyone with tips about the suspects should immediately contact their local police of jurisdiction.

RCMP say that it is critical that all Canadians remain vigilant for McLeod and Schmegelsky. If they are spotted, do not approach, call 9-1-1 or your local police immediately.