RCMP in B.C. released more information about their investigation into a triple homicide, which sparked a nation-wide manhunt for two suspects.
It began in mid-July, when the bodies of American Chynna Deese and her Australian boyfriend Lucas Fowler and UBC lecturer Leonard Dyck were found in northern British Columbia.
The search for Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod was on until early August when their bodies were discovered in northern Manitoba.
At a news conference, Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett provided a statement and highlighted the following:
- We uncovered no information that predicted or forecasted the homicides that took place in northern BC. Based on the firearms lab results, crime scene examination, timelines of suspects and suspect recorded admissions, we believe that no other suspects are responsible for the three homicides or are involved in anyway. The murders appear to be random and crimes of opportunity.
- The investigative theory is that McLeod and Schmegelsky came across Lucas Fowler’s van and targeted Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese for unknown reasons. They shot and killed the couple before continuing up into the Yukon.
- The two returned to BC days later because they were having vehicle issues and came across Leonard Dyck outside of Dease Lake and shot and killed him.
- The suspects then burned their vehicle to cover up evidence and delay police before stealing Mr. Dyck’s vehicle, money and a number of personal items – all of which facilitated further escape ultimately toward Eastern Canada..
- Once they reached Manitoba they again burned the stolen vehicle and attempted to continue foot, before they realized their efforts were failing. It is believed that McLeod shot Schmegelsky before shooting himself in a suicide pact.
- Two rifles were found with the two deceased suspects. These rifles were examined by the firearms lab and were determined to be the same weapons used in the Fort Nelson and Dease Lake homicides, as well as their own deaths. One of the two guns was determined to be same gun legally purchased by the suspects at Cabela’s, outdoor equipment store, in Nanaimo on July 12th.
- A digital camera belonging to Mr. Dyck was also discovered. It contained six videos and three still images. In the videos, the suspects took responsibility for all three murders. They indicated no remorse for their actions and their intentions to potentially kill others. They also described their intent to commit suicide and their wish to be cremated.
- These videos do not contain any information regarding the motive behind their actions nor do they provide specifics regarding the murders.
After careful consideration, the RCMP decided they would not release the videos recovered for concern the videos “may influence or inspire other individuals to carry out a targeted act of violence, essentially creating copycat killers”
“It is believed that the suspects may have made the video recordings for notoriety,” Hackett stated. “Releasing them would not only be disrespectful to the families of the deceased – who are also concerned about the impacts of the release – and it could sensationalize the actions of the suspects.
By not releasing the videos we want to mitigate the potential of other individuals being inspired to commit similar acts of violence. For these reasons, the videos will not be released to the public by the RCMP.”
(Highlights used in the story courtesy of the B.C. RCMP)