Murder charge laid against two B.C. teens after 3rd victim identified

A second-degree murder charge has been laid against 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky, the two teenagers that have set off a Canada-wide manhunt after three murders in northern British Columbia.

RCMP say they’ve identified the body found near Dease Lake, B.C., as Leonard Dyck of Vancouver.

His body was found on a highway pullout about two kilometres from a burned-out truck and camper police have said the teenagers had been driving.

Police say the pair are now charged with Dyck’s murder and that means Canada-wide warrants have been issued for McLeod and Schmegelsky and officers across the country are searching for them.

Mounties had at first thought the teenagers were missing but on Tuesday said they were suspects in the deaths of Australian Lucas Fowler and his American girlfriend, Chynna Deese, whose bodies were found alongside the Alaska Highway near Liard Hot Springs in northern B.C. on Monday, July 15.

Dyck’s family released a statement saying they are heartbroken at the tragic loss of the loving husband and father and his death has created unthinkable grief.

McLeod and Schmelgelsky were reportedly last spotted in the Gillam, Manitoba area and a burned-out vehicle found in the area has been confirmed by Manitoba RCMP as the one they had been driving in.

No further details were given and a spokesperson for the RCMP said, “With respect to public safety, we understand the concerns being raised. This is a complex ongoing investigation involving multiple jurisdictions.”

“If we have a confirmed sighting, we will let everyone know as soon as possible.”

Deputy Mayor John McDonald said people in Gillam were also making sure their vehicles are locked while the RCMP search for the suspects.

McDonald said if McLeod and Schmegelsky are there, they are in country known for its thick bush, swamps and pesky insects, and where it’s easy to get lost.

“If they are wandering around in the bush, they couldn’t have picked a worse time because the sandflies came out three days ago and they’re just voracious,” he said Wednesday.

“I’m quite sure they’ll be more than happy to have someone find them.”

The father of Bryer Schmegelsky says his son is in “very serious pain” and he expects a nationwide manhunt will end in the young man’s death.

Alan Schmegelsky says Bryer had a troubled upbringing. He struggled through his parents’ acrimonious split in 2005 and his main influences became video games and YouTube.

“A normal child doesn’t travel across the country killing people. A child in some very serious pain does,” Schmegelsky said in an emotional interview Wednesday in Mill Bay, B.C., near his home in Victoria.

Alan Schmegelsky said he expects his son will die in a confrontation with police.

“He’s on a suicide mission. He wants his pain to end,” he said, breaking down into tears. “Basically, he’s going to be dead today or tomorrow. I know that. Rest in peace, Bryer. I love you. I’m so sorry all this had to happen.”

Even if his son is caught, his life will be over, the father said.

“He wants his hurt to end. They’re going to go out in a blaze of glory. Trust me on this. That’s what they’re going to do.”

In Port Alberni, signs with “No Trespassing” were staked outside of McLeod’s large waterfront family home. His father, Keith McLeod, released a written statement to media.

“This is what I do know – Kam is a kind, considerate, caring young man (who) always has been concerned about other people’s feelings,” McLeod said.

“As we are trapped in our homes due to media people, we try to wrap our heads around what is happening and hope that Kam will come home to us safely so we can all get to the bottom of this story.”

Ontario Provincial Police in the Northwest region of Ontario have also issued a public safety warning.

OPP say it appears the suspects are headed in an easterly direction. They are considered dangerous and residents are asked not to approach them if spotted.

Anyone with information is asked to immediately call 9-1-1.