Police reveal person of interest in murders of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese

Police have released video showing Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese at a petrol station as a manhunt for a “person of interest” ramps up.

Police searching for the killer in the unsolved double murders of Australian man Lucas Fowler and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese have described a “person of interest”, revealed how the couple died and released haunting images of their last days.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police held a press conference today, a week after the couple were found on the side of Highway 97, 20km south of Liard River Hot Springs in British Columbia.

Police said the pair were “victims of gun violence” after earlier revealing their bodies were “unrecognisable”.

Police again dismissed the notion that a serial killer is on the loose after a third victim was found on Friday. The man’s body was found near a burnt-out truck six hours west of Liard Springs.

But police did confirm they are seeking to speak with a man seen arguing with Mr Fowler, 23, on the night before he was murdered.

This man was seen talking to Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese on the night before they were murdered. Picture: BC RCMP

“Today we’re asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man seen speaking with Lucas on the evening of July 14 on Highway 97,” a RCMP media spokeswoman said.

“He is caucasian, has dark skin and dark hair, is shorter than 6’3” and has a possible beard and glasses.

“He was driving an older model Jeep Cherokee with a black stripe on the hood and was believed to have been travelling southbound.”

As well as a composite sketch of their “person of interest”, police released haunting CCTV footage of the last time Mr Fowler and Ms Deese were seen together.

The vision, captured a petrol station, shows the couple hugging as Mr Fowler fills the van with petrol.

Officers at the press conference — which was attended by Lucas’s father, NSW Police Inspector Stephen Fowler — were peppered with questions from frustrated members of the local media about why there has been so little information about the investigation.

Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese were ‘victims of gun violence’, police confirmed.

“Why can’t you give us an indication of how he died?” one reporter asked in relation to the third victim, found near a burnt-out car.

“The public is wondering what is going on. They’re not getting answers from you. Why can’t you give us an idea about whether there is a linkage (between the three deaths)? Is there a serial killer? People have the right to know.”

But police would not go into detail. They would not confirm whether the third victim was murdered or how he died.

Stephen Fowler answered questions at today’s press conference. He described the slaying as the “worst ever love story”.

CCTV of Lucas Fowler and partner Chynna Dees at a petrol station in Fort Nelson on 13 July Picture: BC RCMP

“We have two young people who had everything before them,” he said.

Mr Fowler said his family was “taking it a day at a time” and that “it’s extremely difficult for all of us — we just hope to take a breath.”

Asked if he was satisfied about the speed of the investigation, he said he had no complaints.

“I know there’s been a lot of speculation. As an experienced police officer I know how these investigations go. I’m more than comfortable with the commitment of all the officers working on this case.”

Chynna Deese was happy and in love, family say. Picture: Facebook

CCTV of Lucas Fowler (right) and Chynna Deese (left) at Fort Nelson on July 13.

Mr Fowler and Ms Deese were found a short distance from the blue 1986 Chevrolet van they were travelling in on Monday morning.

The third body was found a short distance up the road next to a burnt out vehicle. But in a bizarre twist revealed yesterday, police now say the man was not the vehicle’s owner and that two teens travelling in that vehicle are missing.

In a statement, the Dease Lake Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they have been unable to locate Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18.

“It is unclear at this time how this deceased male might be connected with vehicle fire or the two missing men,” police said in a statement.

Inspector Stephen Fowler says he is satisfied with how the investigation is progressing. Picture: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

“At this time, investigators are sharing information and police would like to ensure awareness around both investigations.

“The RCMP would ask the public to continue to take any general safety precautions and remain vigilant at this time.”

Passing motorists Curtis and Sandra Broughton were the last people to see Mr Fowler and Ms Deese alive. The Canadian couple stopped to offer assistance just before 3.30pm on Sunday.

Mr Broughton, a mechanic, said he spoke to Mr Fowler, but the 23-year-old seemed to know how to fix the van.

“The vehicle was flooded out and they were going to try and get it going again until they could get the parts they needed,” Mr Broughton told AAP.

The Broughtons got back in their car and drove home.

Originally published as Police reveal person of interest in murders of Lucas Fowler and Chynna Deese