The search for two murder suspects is being scaled back but not abandoned after nine days, Manitoba RCMP reported in an update Wednesday afternoon.

Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy, Commanding Officer for the Manitoba RCMP announced today the withdrawal of numerous RCMP resources from northern Manitoba in the search for Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18.

Over the past week, since July 23 when Manitoba RCMP were first made aware of the possibility of the two suspects being within the province, many RCMP resources have been deployed.

Upon discovery of a burned-out vehicle near Gillam last week, which was later established to be the vehicle that the two teen suspects had been driving, MacLatchy says that Manitoba RCMP immediately responded with multiple resources to commence their search.

MacLatchy says the RCMP have done everything within their capabilities over the past nine days to locate McLeod and Schmegelsky, including exhaustive searches conducted by vehicle, on foot, and aerially over the areas of Fox Lake Cree Nation, the Town of Gillam, and York Landing.

Approximately 11,000 square kilometers have been searched to date by RCMP, with every home in the suspected areas being canvassed and every vacant building in the Gillam area searched amounting to over 500 buildings searched and cleared by police. RCMP aerial vehicles with infrared capabilities were deployed during the course of the search, and officers have exhaustively searched forests, swamps, and more difficult terrain.

The commanding officer said that some of the most advanced technology has been utilized by authorities and deployed some of the most highly trained officials to assist in the search.

Over 260 tips have been received and followed up by RCMP, with officers working around the clock since July 23, 2019.

Unfortunately, due to no confirmed sightings of the suspects since the discovery of their burned vehicle, MacLatchy says that the time has come to reassess the deployment of resources assisting in the manhunt.

"Over the next week, the search will be scaled down over northern Manitoba," she stated.

The search remains ongoing

The removal of resources in the coming days will be a "phased withdrawal," said MacLatchy.

"To be clear, we are not ending this search ... a number of resources will still remain in the Gillam area," the officer continued, adding that all resources will remain ready to respond to the region as required should new information in the search for the fugitives emerge.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is one of the resources that has been removed from the search efforts, though they will remain ready to assist if and when needed, according to MacLatchy.

MacLatchy offered her condolences to the families of the victims in British Colombia.

"I know that today's news is not what the victim's families and the communities of northern Manitoba wanted to hear," says MacLatchy. "But when searching for people in vast, remote, and rugged locations, it always remains a possibility that they are not going to be immediately located."

The commanding officer also noted that it remains a possibility and a consideration for the RCMP that the suspects did receive some sort of assistance in fleeing the area. The public are encouraged to continue to be on the lookout and submit any tips to the police, as even insignificant information may prove helpful in the investigation.

The RCMP request that individuals contact their local police in the event of spotting the suspects.

"It's a difficult job... but this has been non-stop."

MacLatchy says that in her 31 years of experience with the RCMP, she has seen "nothing of this scope." However, the lack of confirmed sightings has unfortunately led to the need to withdraw a number of resources from the area.

"When you're doing any kind of a search for a fugitive you know might be dangerous there's a stress level there, but this has been non-stop, this has been over a week now that we've had people in place," MacLatchey said. "They want to find these people."

The commanding officer offered thanks to the communities of Fox Lake Cree Nation, Gillam, and York Landing for incredible strength and resilience during this challenging week, as well as the officers and resources who have assisted in the search and those who will continue to maintain a police presence in the area.

"While the search is being scaled down it is not over," said MacLatchy, offering assurance that the search "will not end until there is a resolution."