Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Canadian teen murder suspects died by apparent suicide, autopsies confirm

A manhunt was launched for Kam McLeod and Bryer Schmegelsky after three people were found murdered.

AUTOPSIES HAVE CONFIRMED that two bodies discovered in the Canadian wilds were those of teen murder suspects who apparently took their own lives, police have said.

“The two died in what appears to be suicides by gunfire,” federal police said in a statement.

Kam McLeod (19) and Bryer Schmegelsky (18) had led police on a national manhunt.

They were wanted in connection with the murder of Australian Lucas Fowler (23) and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese (24) who were found shot dead alongside the Alaska Highway in northern British Columbia three weeks ago. 

The two bodies of the suspects were found on Wednesday near the shoreline of the Nelson River, approximately 8 kilometres from a burnt out vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.

In a statement today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed the two died in what appears to be suicide.

While both individuals were deceased for a number of days before they were found, the exact time and date of their deaths are not known, police said. 

However, there are strong indications that they had been alive for a few days since last seen in July and during the extensive search efforts in the Gillam area, according to police.

Police also confirmed that two firearms were located with the two deceased men. Forensic analysis is underway in order to definitively confirm that these weapons are connected with the homicide investigations.

The Manitoba RCMP have completed their search of the area where the two male bodies were discovered.

Investigators are now assessing all items located in Manitoba, along with the previous findings related to the three homicide investigations, in order to gain more clarity into what happened to Leonard Dyck, Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese.

The assessment will review all the investigative findings to date, whether it is statements, evidentiary time lines, physical or digital evidence.

The suspects’ next of kin have been notified and have been offered support. 

“The BC RCMP commits that once we have completed that review within the next few weeks, we will be providing the families with an update with respect to the totality of the investigations and then releasing the information publicly,” police said. 

If you need to talk, contact for free:

  • Pieta House 1800 247247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (available 24/7)
  • Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie (available 24/7)
  • Aware 1800 804848 (depression, anxiety)
  • Childline 1800 666666 (for under 18s, available 24/7)
  • National Rape Crisis Helpine 1800 77 88 88 (available 24/7)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard Ryan
    Favourite Gerard Ryan
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 8:17 AM

    Ever since Facebook acquired it I have been getting added to scam group chats. Anyone else have this problem? I’m fine for Viagra and girth thanks.

    130
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bacoxy
    Favourite bacoxy
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 8:18 AM

    That’s not what your missus told me! ;)

    148
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hank Schrader
    Favourite Hank Schrader
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 9:18 AM

    The Ad’s will be arriving soon.. Gotta make money off those 900m users.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute graham galvin
    Favourite graham galvin
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 7:06 PM

    That’s why they charge you after one year. To keep it ad free.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Shakespeare
    Favourite David Shakespeare
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 9:31 AM

    They do make money. 89cent for 1 yr usage. That’s 800 million euro… Nice easy profit..

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 11:29 AM

    The app is completely free.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard Ryan
    Favourite Gerard Ryan
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 1:45 PM

    Initially yes but I’ve paid 69p twice since I installed it a few years ago. Think it’s 2 years free.

    2
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Byrne
    Favourite Mark Byrne
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 3:24 PM

    I have it 4 years and never paid a cent.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 3:35 PM

    Gerard,

    I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve had it for years. It was free to download. I don’t know of any app that periodically charges you for normal usage.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David McShite
    Favourite David McShite
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 8:17 AM

    Whatsapp seems to demand incredible permissions and access to your device. I know it’s a great service but I think the price is yo high in terms of the loss of your privacy.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eastsmer
    Favourite eastsmer
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 11:40 AM

    Telegram – is a good alternative

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute little jim
    Favourite little jim
    Report
    Sep 5th 2015, 12:56 AM

    *winks and nods*

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor
    Favourite Conor
    Report
    Sep 4th 2015, 9:40 AM

    Ever since need scored the lowest for data protection I deleted it, I think people are soo foolish with what they use and how they share data

    9
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel