There has been a dramatic new twist in a pair of related cases of serious crime in northern B.C.

Two Port Alberni teens who police had initially believed were missing from Highway 37, are now considered suspects in the murders of Chynna Deese and Lucas Fowler, who were found shot dead on Highway 97 on July 15.

The two teens pickup truck was found on fire about 50 kilometres south of Dease Lake. An unidentified man was found dead near

Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, are also wanted in connection with the death of a man found about two kilometres from their burning pickup truck on Highway 37 last Friday, the BC RCMP said Tuesday.

Police had been treating the two as missing persons, saying they were travelling towards Whitehorse, Yukon to look for work.

“If you spot Bryer or Kam, consider them dangerous. Do not approach. Take no action and call immediately 911,” RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said.

Police said McLeod and Schmegelsky have been spotted in northern Saskatchewan, and released new images taken of the pair in the prairie province.

They were last seen in a grey 2011 Toyota RAV 4. Police did not say when or specifically where the two were sighted.

Investigators said they are believed to still be travelling and may have changed their appearance or vehicle.

McLeod is described as six-foot-four, 169 pounds with dark hair and facial hair, and brown eyes. Schmegelsky is described as six-foot-four and 169 pounds with sandy hair.

Unanswered questions

The RCMP’s bombshell confirmation that the two investigations are, in fact, linked has highlighted many unanswered questions surrounding the case.

The identity of the man found on Highway 37, and the manner of his death remain unknown. On Tuesday, police were unwilling to confirm whether his death was a homicide or any details about how he died.

Police would also not speak to what had changed in the investigation that led investigators to decide the pair were now suspects.

“I understand the media’s need or want to get as much information as they possibly can. But in any homicide investigation, it takes time. The amount of time that’s passed since the onset of these investigations is relatively quick,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Kevin Hackett said.

“We don’t make assumptions, we’re relying on evidence and facts. We also have to keep in mind the sensitivities around identifying the individual and contacting his family.”

Police would not comment on whether Schmegelsky or McLeod have criminal records. How or why the pair came into contact with Fowler and Deese also remains a mystery.

More to come…

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