THE two deceased Saanich bank robbery suspects were identified by police on Saturday as 22-year-old twin brothers Mathew and Isaac Auchterlonie from Duncan.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) said its investigation into the armed robbery and shooting at a Saanich bank has resulted in a number of updates and confirmations.
With the assistance of the BC Coroners Service, the two male suspects were identified on July 1 and the next of kin notifications have been completed. Investigators said they were releasing the names of the suspects at this time because they believe it will further the ongoing investigation and help with their request for the public’s assistance.
Investigators have spoken with their family and they are cooperating with the investigation. They have asked for privacy at this time. Police are looking into the suspects’ backgrounds and can confirm that neither had criminal records or were known to police.
“We understand that the release of the names of the two deceased may answer the WHO, but there are still many outstanding questions and investigation efforts that need to take place in order to fully understand WHAT took place and WHY,” said Cpl. Alex Bérubé, VIIMCU spokesperson. “The motive behind the armed robbery and subsequent exchange of gunfire with police has not yet been determined. We believe there could be people out [there] that may have more information about the brothers, their recent activities and travels and we need those people to come forward and speak to police.”
VIIMCU also confirmed that two individuals are connected with the white 4 door 1992 Toyota Camry that has two black racing stripes over the hood and roof. Since releasing the photo of the vehicle on Thursday and requesting the public’s assistance, police have received a number calls and tips. Investigators are continuing to following up on the information.
The investigation to date has determined that only two suspects were in the bank; however, police are continuing to look into whether anyone else was involved or associated to the events on Tuesday.
Dozens of interviews have been conducted, and hundreds of hours of surveillance video footage have been gathered, all of which is being reviewed. The forensic efforts at the Saanich location are continuing and VIIMCU said they it would like to acknowledge the work by multiple forensic identification teams from Victoria Police, Saanich Police and the RCMP who are processing the significantly complex site.
VIIMCU said it also continues to move its investigation forward and respects that the Independent Investigations Office of BC is also conducting a concurrent investigation.
Anyone with recent information or interactions with the two male suspects, who saw the Toyota Camry in the week prior to the incident or anything else that could be related are requested to contact VIIMCU at 250-380-6211.
