Autopsy reveals that suspected Port Alberni murderers died from suicides by gunfire

Autopsy reveals that suspected Port Alberni murderers died from suicides by gunfire
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An autopsy by the RCMP has revealed that the two suspected Port Alberni murderers were found dead following “suicides by gunfire”.

The Manitoba Medical Examiner says 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky,  and 19-year-old Kam McLeod, were both deceased for a number of days before they were found. Officials say there were strong indications that they had been alive for a few days since they were last seen in July.

Two firearms were also located with the suspects, and a forensic analysis is underway in order to definitively confirm that these weapons were connected with the northern B.C. homicide investigations.

Both men have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck, 64, whose body was found July 19 near the pair’s burned-out truck in  northern B.C.

They are also suspects in the death of Australian Lucas Fowler and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese, found four days earlier along a highway more than 450 kilometres from where Dyck was discovered.

The two fled B.C. after the murders, and were spotted heading east before their stolen Rav-4 was found burned out near Gillam Manitoba on July 22.

RCMP launched an extensive search in the dense wilderness and around the small community. The two were found around nine-kilometres away from the car August 7.

READ MORE: Bodies believed to be northern B.C. murder suspects found near Gillam, Man.

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

Manitoba’s Behavioural Analysis Unit is also involved in the investigation.

Police say they will completed their review within a few weeks and will be providing the families with an update — with respect to the totality of the investigations.

They will then release the information publicly.

Julian KolsutJulian Kolsut

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