The Manitoba RCMP confirmed Friday morning that a photo circulating online of a man holding up a newspaper with the B.C. homicide suspects on the front page is not one of the suspects.
“A photo was taken and it appeared to be unintentionally circulated on social media and we confirmed it was not the suspect," Cpl. Julie Courchaine said at a press conference Friday.
“The spreading of false information in communities across Manitoba has created fear and panic.”
Courchaine said officials did speak with the man holding the newspaper and concluded that the posting appeared unintentional.
Winnipeg psychologist, Dr. Richard Shore believes sharing misinformation can be devastating for people, and more specifically Manitobans while two suspects connected to three murders are on the run.
Shore said even though the suspects are believed to be in the Gillam, Man., area, he’s received calls from patients who are scared.
“When you’re fearful, people tend to not look at objective facts,” Shore said.
The psychologist also believes there are motives behind social media users spreading unverified information.
“They feel like they're a part of it, they feel like they're a part of what's going on.”
RCMP said they are working to find Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, and will release updates once they have confirmed information.
McLeod and Schmegelsky have been charged with second degree murder in the death of a man identified Wednesday as Vancouver’s Leonard Dyck. They were also previously named as suspects in his death and the deaths of a couple, Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese.
Police remind people the men should not be approached if spotted. Instead they should call 911, local police, in the Gillam area 204-652-2200 or in the Thompson area 204-677-6911.
Officers continue to search the Gillam and Fox Lake Cree Nation area, after a car was discovered burning Monday evening that police confirmed the suspects were travelling in.
“Our officers have conducted detailed and thorough searches of potential areas of interest, and these searches continue,” said Courchaine.
-With files from CTV's Jason Gaidola
