Canada - Lucas Fowler, Chynna Deese, and Leonard Dyck, all murdered, Alaska Hwy, BC, Jul 2019 #19

[Gina20]

IIRC Chynna did that couch surfing site. Maybe Lucas did as well. I’m also thinking to have a more authentic experience they would try home stays maybe through a church group or work program? I know there is a world travel program through a mennonite site where you can stay with hosts for a suggested donation of $10. You have to register to access the directory. That’s a pretty amazing program and something I could see Chynna and Lucas using. It’s open to faith centred, Christian’s etc. (Not sure if Chynna or Lucas were Mormon).

I thought I had read somewhere that Lucas met Chynna in Calgary upon her arrival to Canada. I will see if I can find that.

I recall that Lucas was staying in a youth hostel in Calgary when he was hired by Cristoph Weder for the ranch.

 

[MistyWaters]

While await the results if the final police investigation, just to point out possible drug use would be an important component of the autopsies of B&K’s. Preliminary autopsy results were released but that doesn’t mean the entire autopsy process was concluded.

BBM

“Popular “crime scene investigation” television programs are able to complete toxicology reports in a very short (and unrealistic) time frame. However, in reality, while an autopsy is usually completed within a day or two after a death, the final results of the toxicology report may take four to six weeks or longer.”
Toxicology Tests - Athletic, Forensic/Postmortum & Workplace Testing

 

[MistyWaters]

I recall that Lucas was staying in a youth hostel in Calgary when he was hired by Cristoph Weder for the ranch.

A sad comparison, how Lucas arrived in Canada and then searched for jobs while staying at a hostel.....compared to B&K outfitted in a truck and camper and cash to support their supposed job search but less than 3 weeks later they were found dead 3300 km away, named as armed and dangerous fugitives for the murder of three innocent people. 3 weeks is often the length of time required for the application/hiring process to conclude.

 

[sandbar]

- Met in Croatia 2018

Chynna Deese believed in ‘a future full of love and hope and adventure’ | The Star

“Once the American and the Australian found each other and fell in love while backpacking in Croatia in 2018, the two were always talking, and planning their next meeting — whether that meant saving up to travel the far reaches of the world or celebrating Christmas with one of their families.”

“Keen to learn, but in no rush to settle down, she earned a psychology degree, and immediately set off to go travelling, working as a bartender or on farms as she went, and making friends in each new location.”

“She did seasonal work all over Europe and South America, living in hostels or working at ranches and farms. Regularly, she would return to Charlotte and catch her family up on what she was doing.”

Two missing Canadian teens now suspected in murder of tourists
“The couple had met at a hostel in Croatia and their romance blossomed as they adventured across the US, Mexico, Peru and elsewhere, the woman’s older brother said.”

Before Lucas Fowler died in northern B.C., he embraced a life there | The Star
“Deese arrived at the ranch a week before the couple left for the road trip, and she spent time helping Erika tag calf ears.”

A quick search so I haven’t found anything about CD being in Calgary.

Chynna: Chynna Deese
Countries I’ve Visited
Austria, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United States

Thanks for that.

 

[sandbar]

I still think they were headed to Kettle Dam

What makes you say that? What's in Kettle Dam?

 

[sandbar]

If the police have publicised a sketch of a person of interest, as they did in this case, they would usually say that the person has been found to not be a person of interest if this is the case. I think if this person was not involved, they would have come forward willingly, like other witnesses and would have wanted to offer any information they could to assist with the case. If this person did come forward, it would be expected police would at least report this happened, as they had already involved the public when they publicised the sketch.

In the presser, Hackett was asked if RCMP were still looking for the man in the sketch, and he answered "No." That was his answer, just no.

I don't think LE is withholding information. I think they are still gathering, checking, investigating, verifying and what have you.

Can you imagine what people would be saying if LE did release incomplete, unverified, or false information?

 

[CanadianSleuther]

Can you imagine what people would be saying if LE did release incomplete, unverified, or false information?

I do wonder if the guns found with the teens weren't the ones used in Chynna and Lucas's murder. I could see them scrambling to analyze and verify other evidence to make sure before telling the family of the victims some evidence. Everyone just assumes they are automatically guilty because of the media when they have never been formally charged with two of the three murders before they were found dead.

 

[LoisLane]

I do wonder if the guns found with the teens weren't the ones used in Chynna and Lucas's murder. I could see them scrambling to analyze and verify other evidence to make sure before telling the family of the victims some evidence. Everyone just assumes they are automatically guilty because of the media when they have never been formally charged with two of the three murders before they were found dead.

I agree. Same style of gun could be common but ballistics could tell another story.

 

[Zella]

I do wonder if the guns found with the teens weren't the ones used in Chynna and Lucas's murder.

SBM

I've actually wondered this, too.

MOO

 

[srper2]

In the presser, Hackett was asked if RCMP were still looking for the man in the sketch, and he answered "No." That was his answer, just no.

I don't think LE is withholding information. I think they are still gathering, checking, investigating, verifying and what have you.

Can you imagine what people would be saying if LE did release incomplete, unverified, or false information?

I wasn't expecting police to release a premature report. If they are saying they are not looking for this man in the sketch, then they either have lost interest in seeking him or they have spoken to him and discounted him. Since they sought help from the public to find him, my opinion is that they should at least give a clearer answer than "no". They could easily have said no, and the reason for this will be clarified in the report.

 

[CanadianSleuther]

I agree. Same style of gun could be common but ballistics could tell another story.

The family's of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese are convinced that Kam and Bryer are responsible based on them being suspects, and add in the urgency of the manhunt on top of that. Their actions do make them look guilty and add in having guns. But that doesn't mean they are. So I do think it's safe to say that the possibility that the RCMP doesn't have as much evidence as they originally thought they did. They have to be absolutely sure either way before they tell these two international families anything. Because with two different governments being involved, and the high status this case got if they aren't correct and other evidence or another suspect (assuming they say both of them are without a doubt responsible) think of the backlash.

 

[JudgeJudi]

That isn't the photo in question I don't believe.I saw a photo of a pop can with orange slice rings around it.It could have been used to start a fire with if the didn't have gas.

I saw those too, I have to admit though, I'm not entirely convinced it's a strut and coil spring for a RAV. They're much bigger than that. I did some digging trying to find that article I got it from and of course they took it down! It was from a New Zealand media outlet and they had captioned the photo (there I go with that memory flexing again) with something like; "sardine cans, orange peels..." Now I might be seeing what I want to see but if you look at that photo again zoomed in, it looks like the pull tab for the lid on the side and also a label burned in the side of the can but I can't make it out clearly. I might be seeing things but I'm definitely seeing something. Here's a zoomed in copy I'll attach as well and an Amazon link to what 2011 Toyota RAV shocks and struts look like for comparison. Also, @whiterhino pointed out last night it looks like it was spiral cut neatly with a knife, like someone took their time eating that orange as opposed to already pre-sliced orange rings like you would get on the side of a drink at a bar or garnish for food. It's interesting it survived the fire, but you would be surprised what kind of random things can go through a fire almost completely unscathed. I also discovered what the circular drum looking thing is. It's a fan motor for the 2009-2011 RAV. I'll attach a photo for the generic version and let people judge for themselves.

https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Axle-Springs-Absorbers-2006-2012/dp/B07GSGK4SG

P.S. This is the best I can do on the original article with this photo. You have to scroll down midway through the collection of stories. Of course the New Zealand site 404s.
Canada highway murders: Suspects Kam McLeod, Bryer Schmegelsky charged with second-degree murder today for third victim

Please see p.45 #899 - explanation and 2 large photos

 

[NJSleuth91]

The family's of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese are convinced that Kam and Bryer are responsible based on them being suspects, and add in the urgency of the manhunt on top of that. Their actions do make them look guilty and add in having guns. But that doesn't mean they are. So I do think it's safe to say that the possibility that the RCMP doesn't have as much evidence as they originally thought they did. They have to be absolutely sure either way before they tell these two international families anything. Because with two different governments being involved, and the high status this case got if they aren't correct and other evidence or another suspect (assuming they say both of them are without a doubt responsible) think of the backlash.

Can you imagine the backlash if it turns out the ballistics and other forensic evidence don't link them to Lucas and Chynna's murders? It would be a huge, international scandal. Not only because that would mean their killer got a two month head start, but because it would raise the question of whether that led to Kam and Bryer's suicides as well.

The RCMP seemed so confident about it though. Even last week they said there were no other suspects they were considering. So they most likely do have evidence. I don't know if they would make statements like that lightly, considering how high-profile this case is. I just hope we find out soon what that evidence was.

Like I said the other day, I can't imagine how infuriated and frustrated Kam and Bryer's families must be, that they're being told "your kids murdered three people because of reasons, take our word for it" and having that plastered all over the media, and not being given any evidence of why the police think that. It's probably just compounding their grief and trauma even more. I can't imagine all this secrecy is making them trust the veracity of the investigation's findings, either. The whole thing is just absolutely terrible.

But, for all we know the report might come out on Monday....

 

[sandbar]

I wasn't expecting police to release a premature report. If they are saying they are not looking for this man in the sketch, then they either have lost interest in seeking him or they have spoken to him and discounted him. Since they sought help from the public to find him, my opinion is that they should at least give a clearer answer than "no". They could easily have said no, and the reason for this will be clarified in the report.

No is quite possibly the clearest answer one can give. You want details that the RCMP aren't prepared to give right now; giving info, no matter how much we want it in the middle of an investigation is just not sound practice. To my way of thinking that doesn't equate to a cover-up, incompetence or conspiracy; it's done to protect the integrity of the investigation. This isn't a scripted narrative where complex investigations are tied up in a bow in 1 hour viewing time.

 

[sandbar]

The family's of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese are convinced that Kam and Bryer are responsible based on...

I'm sorry, this is just one of the most ridiculous and possibly insulting things I've read here. How can you possibly have any proof of this or even evidence to support this as an opinion? Unless you have had ongoing personal conversations with each member of the Fowler/Deese families?

I'd bet family members want the correct people held accountable, not just the most expedient. To state otherwise is an insult to their intelligence.

LF's father is a senior police investigator. I would bet my lunch that he understands that an investigation takes time, and that investigators are like scientists in that they form a hypothesis based on crime scene evidence, and then try to find info to prove or disprove their theory.

 

[sandbar]

Can you imagine the backlash if it turns out the ballistics and other forensic evidence don't link them to Lucas and Chynna's murders? It would be a huge, international scandal.

This is ridiculous. The RCMP hasn't said that "ballistics and other forensic evidence" link the crime scenes so how can there be backlash?

International scandal? Possibly, but only if WSers are in charge of writing the headlines...
simply ridiculous

 

[NJSleuth91]

This is ridiculous. The RCMP hasn't said that "ballistics and other forensic evidence" link the crime scenes so how can there be backlash?

From a few days ago:
A month after the manhunt for two murder suspects ended, here’s what we still don’t know | The Star

"Police have said they believe forensic analysis into the firearms found alongside McLeod and Schmegelsky will provide “definitive” evidence that the pair killed Deese and Fowler, who were found shot to death near Liard Hot Springs. Shoihet told Star Vancouver this week that police “have no reason to believe there are any other suspects.”"

They also said there was "significant evidence" linking the two crime scenes in the press conference after the bodies were found.

International scandal? Possibly, but only if WSers are in charge of writing the headlines...
simply ridiculous

People all over the world are interested in this case, not just on Websleuths. Probably hundreds of people in at least three countries are directly affected by it, as in they were friends/family of the victims or Kam and Bryer.

 

[LoisLane]

“So, Stetson often finds himself combing through posts online, reading theories unverified by police about what role accomplices may have played or whether other missing persons cases in the region could be linked. Chynna and Fowler were so affable that Stetson said he can't possibly imagine they were targets of anger or hatred.

"We still have a lot of questions. It's like, I think of a new one each day,'' he said.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/brit...her-family-says-they-may-never-know-1.5247816

 

[sandbar]

From a few days ago:
A month after the manhunt for two murder suspects ended, here’s what we still don’t know | The Star

"Police have said they believe forensic analysis into the firearms found alongside McLeod and Schmegelsky will provide “definitive” evidence that the pair killed Deese and Fowler, who were found shot to death near Liard Hot Springs. Shoihet told Star Vancouver this week that police “have no reason to believe there are any other suspects.”"

They also said there was "significant evidence" linking the two crime scenes in the press conference after the bodies were found.

People all over the world are interested in this case, not just on Websleuths. Probably hundreds of people in at least three countries are directly affected by it, as in they were friends/family of the victims or Kam and Bryer.

"Police have said they believe forensic analysis into the firearms found alongside McLeod and Schmegelsky will provide “definitive” evidence that the pair killed Deese and Fowler, who were found shot to death near Liard Hot Springs. Shoihet told Star Vancouver this week that police “have no reason to believe there are any other suspects.”"

Right, I re-bolded the quote to show that those are the investigative theories LE are operating on. That quote is not releasing investigative findings it is explaining their process.

"significant evidence" is a broad general term, it does not mean ballistics specifically...

People being interested in this case from whatever country does not mean it will become an international scandal. People will agree, disagree, conjure alternatives, etc.,

 

[sandbar]

“So, Stetson often finds himself combing through posts online, reading theories unverified by police about what role accomplices may have played or whether other missing persons cases in the region could be linked. Chynna and Fowler were so affable that Stetson said he can't possibly imagine they were targets of anger or hatred.

"We still have a lot of questions. It's like, I think of a new one each day,'' he said.”

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/brit...her-family-says-they-may-never-know-1.5247816

The eldest brother of homicide victim Chynna Deese says he's not expecting the police investigation to provide a definitive answer as to why she was killed in such a seemingly random act.

I read this as CD's brother understanding that there may never be an answer to why these crimes were committed.

I do not read this as him saying RCMP either
*already knows or
*will never know or
*will cover up
who committed the crimes.