RCMP gets air support from military

GILLAM, MAN.— RCMP in northern Manitoba say no new sightings of two young homicide suspects have been reported to them and they will continue to search the area around the town of Gillam with the help of military aircraft.

Meanwhile police are conducting a door-to-door search of the area, searching for any sign of Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, and his friend Kam McLeod, 19.

“In addition to the canvass, over 100 empty homes have been thoroughly searched in the Town of Gillam,” read an RCMP statement released Saturday. “Officers are also searching large abandoned buildings like the Keewatinohk Converter Station Camp, near Gillam, which has over 600 rooms.”

In a statement, the military said a Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules aircraft from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg will assist with an aerial search. A RCMP officer will be on board.

Police have said the two may have changed their appearance to try to evade the manhunt.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said Saturday that it has requested help from the Bear Clan Patrol, an Indigenous-led neighbourhood watch group.

A statement from the assembly said the group is co-ordinating teams to fly to First Nations communities including Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation, and War Lake First Nation.

“The patrol groups will provide a sense of security to our First Nations communities that are now facing a great deal of uncertainty. As we roll out this strategy, we ask that all community members continue to cooperate with the RCMP. If anyone spots these two young men, please contact the RCMP right away — do not put yourself at risk. Keep your doors locked and your kids close,” Acting Grand Chief Kent said in the statement.