Shoot-to-kill manhunt? Suspects in murder of American tourist, two others may be on ‘suicide mission,’ father says

The father of one of the teens being sought in connection with three murders in Canada says his son is on a “suicide mission” and wants to die in a “blaze of glory” with police, ABC News reports.

An intense manhunt is underway across Canada for 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky, who are accused of killing 64-year-old Leonard Dyck and leaving his body along a highway in northwest Canada. Dyck’s remains were found July 19.

The pair are also suspects in the fatal shootings of 24-year-old Chynna Deese of Charlotte, North Carolina, and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, who is from Australia. Their bodies were found July 15 also along a highway.

Schmegelsky’s father, Alan Schmegelsky, told The Canadian Press this week that he believes his son will likely be dead soon.

“A normal child doesn’t travel across the country killing people,” Alan Schmegelsky said. “A child in some very serious pain does.”

“Basically, he’s going to be dead today or tomorrow. I know that. Rest in peace, Bryer. I love you. I’m so sorry all this had to happen. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t rescue you.”

Meanwhile, McLeod’s father, Keith McLeod, told ABC News that he is staying near his phone so he doesn’t miss a call if it is about his son.

“To the people who truly care; I am sitting at home worrying about my son. Relentless media [are] hounding us for answers we don’t have,” Keith McLeod said in a written statement. “My family and I do know that Kam is a kind, considerate and caring young man who has always been concerned about other people’s feelings. As we are trapped in our homes due to media people, we try to wrap her head around what is happening. We hope that Kam will come home to us safely so we can all get to the bottom of this story.”

On Friday, authorities released surveillance footage showing McLeod and Schmegelsky walking through a store last weekend in the Saskatchewan province, CBS News reports. Schmegelsky appeared to be dressed in military garb, although the suspects may have since changed their appearance, Royal Canadian Mounted Police told reporters.

Canada’s Global News reports that authorities are also investigating photos uploaded to an online account created by Schmegelsky. One photo shows him wearing army camouflage while he holds a rifle. A second photo shows him wearing a gas mask. Another image is of an arm band with a swastika and a knife that reads “Blut und Ehre,” which is German for blood and honor.

Authorities are focusing on a remote area near the town of Gillam in northeast Manitoba, where there have been two substantiated sightings of the duo.

“Over the next 72 hours, investigators will conduct door-to-door canvases in the Town of Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation, in hopes of generating new tips and information,” Julie Courchaine, a spokeswoman for the The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

“Our investigators are also exploring the possibility that the suspects may have inadvertently received assistance in leaving the area. To restate, there have been no confirmed sightings outside of the Gillam area, however we remain open to the possibility,” Courchaine said.

The RCMP has deployed extensive resources to find the suspects, including aircraft and teams specializing in emergency response and crisis negotiation.

A checkpoint has been set up on the only that road goes in and out of the town, but the terrain of the area, which is boggy and densely wooded, has made the search challenging.

Police are urging anyone who spots the suspects not to approach them, but instead to contact authorities immediately.