“At this point in the investigation, we believe they are still in the area,” said Courchaine.
The pair have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Vancouver man Leonard Dyck. They are also suspects in the shooting deaths of Australian Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese of North Carolina.
WATCH: RCMP cannot confirm what weapons B.C. manhunt suspects may be carrying
RCMP cannot confirm what weapons B.C. manhunt suspects may be carrying
The couple’s bodies were found along Highway 97 in northeastern B.C. on July 15. On July 19, Dyck’s body was found on Highway 37 near Dease Lake.Police had originally described Schmegelsky and McLeod as missing persons before naming them as suspects on Tuesday.They are wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.READ MORE: B.C. teens charged with 2nd-degree murder as Canada-wide manhunt continuesA large contingent of RCMP officers, as well as members of police forces in Western Canada and Ontario, have been deployed to search for the men.Courchain said the crews are facing difficult terrain around Gillam, which is about 1,000 km north of Winnipeg.WATCH: RCMP say terrain around Gillam, Man., is ‘challenging’
RCMP say terrain around Gillam, Man is ‘challenging’
“This is a large area,” she said. “There’s lots of dense bush, forest, swampy areas. It is very challenging.”There is only one road leading in and out of Gillam, which is home to about 1,300 people. A set of train tracks runs along the southern portion of the town, heading to and from Churchill, Man., the last stop on the route.
An increased presence of RCMP officers were on scene at the train station in Churchill, Man., after they say that two murder suspects were last seen nearby.
Handout photo from Rose Neepin
A public notice warning Churchill residents that Schmegelsky and McLeod could be in Manitoba has been issued.One resident, Rose Neepin, told Global News she saw RCMP officers enter and search both passenger and freight trains that entered Churchill on Thursday.Schmegelsky and McLeod are both residents of Port Alberni, B.C., on Vancouver Island.Alan Schmegelsky told the Canadian Press he expects the manhunt will end with his son’s death. He described him as being in “very serious pain.”Police confirmed Thursday they are investigating photos of Nazi paraphernalia and Schmegelsky in an army uniform with a rifle.The photos, which have been provided to Global News, were first published by the Globe and Mail,WATCH: Burned-out vehicle found in Manitoba used by B.C. murder suspects
Burned-out vehicle found in Manitoba belonged to B.C. murder suspects
At Thursday’s press conference, Courchain said police have received over 80 tips in the case in the last 48 hours.“We continue to ask the public to remain vigilant for Kam and Bryer,” Courchain said. “If they are spotted, do not approach. Call 911 or your local police immediately.”With files from The Canadian Press and Rachael D’Amore, Global News
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