Yes and to avoid those questions and speculations and conspiracy theories, the police could, and IMO should, have just upgraded it to first degree murder. And told the public about the July 17th murder attempt during the August 7th press conference.
I think they had the evidence for first-degree murder long before August 7th because: a) they knew by July 24th the same gun was used in Lucas and Chynna's murders, b) they knew by July 21st -- before the charges were even given and before Professor Dyck was even identified -- that there was an additional failed murder attempt by two people matching Kam and Bryer's description, c) the circumstances of Professor Dyck's death. All of those things put together clearly point to intentional killing spree.
I mean, even a
criminology professor said in an article during the manhunt that they thought this wasn't a planned killing spree, Lucas and Chynna's murders were a robbery gone wrong, and Professor Dyck was killed solely for his vehicle. And this guy was far from the only person with a background in criminology who was saying this -- I based my initial opinion on what experts were saying.
That should show you that the police secrecy caused a lot of misconceptions even for people who are experts in the field.
Were B.C. killings planned in advance? Criminologist has doubts