the end and the answers
Public report released into the northern B.C. homicide investigation
Sep 27, 2019 | 4:07 PM
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SURREY– The RCMP released a public report of the Northern B.C. Homicide Investigations, involving the two Australian tourists and UBC Botanist.
The report finalizes the findings of the RCMP during the investigation. RCMP have concluded that Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod were in fact responsible for the deaths of Lucas Fowler, Chynna Deese and UBC Botanist Leonard Dyck.
RCMP Commissioner Kevin Hacket highlighted several areas of the public report in front of media Friday:
- “We uncovered no information that predicted or forecasted the homicides that took place in northern B.C. 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 B.C. 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 on 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.”
