By Shaun Penner

Murder Suspects

Bodies found in Northern Manitoba believed to be BC murder suspects: RCMP

Aug 7, 2019 | 1:13 PM

The weekslong manhunt is now over.

RCMP in Manitoba say the bodies of two men have been found in the dense forest of Northern Manitoba and are believed to be those of 18-year-old Bryer Schemegelsky and 19-year-old Kam McLeod. The two were wanted in connection with the killings of three people last month in northern B.C.

Two male bodies were found at approximately 10 a.m. Central Time this morning, about one kilometre from where items belonging to the two were found along the Nelson River on Friday.

The nationwide manhunt has been ongoing since July 23, when RCMP announced that Schemgelsky and McLeod were charged with second degree murder in the death of UBC professor Leonard Dyck. Dyck was found dead near the community of Dease Lake, B.C. on July 19, about two kilometres from the burned out truck that belonged to McLeod and Schmegelsky.

The two teens were initially treated as missing when their charred vehicle was found not far from Dyck’s body, but investigators later deemed them to be suspects after they were spotted in northern Saskatchewan a few days after the discovery of Dyck’s body.

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

They were also suspects in the shooting deaths of a tourist couple, Australian Lucas Fowler and American Chynna Deese, who were found deceased along Highway 97, near Liard Hot Springs.

The search for the two had focussed around the community of Gillam, MB since July 24, after the Toyota Rav 4 the two have been driving was found burned out near the town.

At this time, Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy says the autopsies will confirm a cause of death, as well as confirm the identities of the two bodies found.

She adds that while there were no confirmed sightings since July 22nd, Mounties never gave up in their search efforts, following-up on every lead, considering all options, and using every available resource.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett also spoke in Surrey this afternoon, saying that though the manhunt is over, the investigation into these three homicides is not over. He also stated that it’s going to be extremely difficult to determine what the motive was for the murders and he’s hoping the scene where the two bodies were found may have more clues.

– With files from the Canadian Press