Canadian police 'confident' they found bodies of teen fugitives

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Canadian police announced Wednesday they discovered bodies they believe belong to two teenage fugitives suspected in the deaths of three people last month.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they made the discovery in dense bush near the Nelson River in Manitoba province.

"At this time, we are confident that these are the bodies of the two suspects wanted in connection with the homicides in British Columbia," the RCMP said in a statement. "An autopsy is being scheduled in Winnipeg to confirm their identities and to determine their cause of death."

Authorities launched a search for Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 19, on July 23. They were charged with second-degree murder for the death of 65-year-old Leonard Dyck, who was found dead in British Columbia.

They were also being sought, though no charges had been laid, in connection to the deaths of American Chynna Noelle Deese, 24, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Robertson Fowler, 23, who were found shot to death along a British Columbia highway, some 300 miles from where Dyck was discovered.

The RCMP said it was tipped off to the location of the bodies Tuesday after discovering items directly linked to the teens. Police also found a burnt vehicle the suspects allegedly used in the area.