A burned-out car found in the area between Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation July 22 is the one that B.C. homicide suspects Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were last seen driving in northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba RCMP said July 24.
“We can now confirm this vehicle is the same vehicle the suspects were travelling in,” said Manitoba RCMP in an emailed statement. “Based on this information, we have sent a number of resources to the Gillam area. There will be a heavier police presence in the community.”
McLeod and Schmegelsky are wanted in connection with the killings of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese, found dead on the Alaska Highway in B.C. July 15 and the death of an older man whose body was found south of Dease Lake, B.C. July 19. They were originally identified as being missing on their way to Whitehorse looking for work before RCMP said they were suspects in the three deaths.
Informational checkstops have been set up at the intersection of Provincial Road 280 and Provincial Road 290 in northeastern Manitoba. Fox Lake is located near the end of PR 290 and there is no other road out of the Gillam area besides PR 280, heading southwest towards Provincial Road 391, which begins in Thompson and heads northwest towards Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake, where it ends.
“With respect to public safety, we understand the concerns being raised,” said Manitoba RCMP. “This is a complex, ongoing investigation, involving multiple jurisdictions. We are engaged with police across Canada.We are investigating all tips and are continuing to ask for the public’s assistance.We are also reminding everyone that these suspects should not be approached if seen and to call 911 or your local police immediately.”
