RCMP Assistant Commissioner Issues Statement on Merritt Tragedy

By 250 News

Vancouver, B.C. -   The Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP, Al Macintyre, has issued a statement  on the  tragic murder of three children and subsequent  investigation  in  Merritt.  Macintyre is meeting with the media this hour,and here is the  statement  he delivered before  taking questions:

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for being here today. I’m here to re-iterate some of what has already been relayed this week in relation to the investigation into the death of Kaitlynne, Max and Cordon SCHOENBORN and to provide you with a quick update, but before I start let me offer condolences on behalf of the entire RCMP family here in British Columbia to Darci Clark on her loss and to the community of Merritt.

The first question that will be on your minds is have we located Allan Dwayne SCHOENBORN and I and sorry to say..no we have not.

As of this morning, the RCMP has received a total of 156 tips from the public, including 5 overnight. All these tips are related to sightings of Allan SCHOENBORN and each of these tips is taken very seriously and followed upon for validity. Most have been from BC, a few from the western provinces and one from as far away as Quebec.

The investigators on this case are working diligently to ensure that a resolution is reached. Once again, we are asking for the public’s patience, support and understanding of the painstaking work that it takes to conduct a major investigation such as a homicide. These investigators face great difficulty in assessing and processing the evidence, as well as understanding what the evidence is saying. Processing a crime site such as the one here in Merritt can easily take a week or more. We will take just as much time as we need to get it done right.

Investigations such as a homicide require various things to be considered and processes to follow in a very methodical and professional manner. The major case management model that we are employing in this case is world-renowned for its precision and built in quality assurance processes.

The Major Crimes Team Commander in charge of the investigative team is the person that makes decisions based on all the facts presented to him as the investigation unfolds. British Columbia is one of, if not the only province that accredits Major Case Team Commanders.

It is extremely unwise to begin second guessing an investigation while it is unfolding, as we are held to the highest degree of accountability through the investigative processes, a subsequent coroner’s inquest and the criminal courts and we fully accept that responsibility.

The decisions and actions we take during the investigation are minutely reviewed by all these processes. When those processes proceed, the RCMP will be on hand and ready to make full disclosure under oath.

Rest assured that any and all resources that Merritt RCMP requires are available to them. Every request is being met and they have our full support. By bringing the energy of the full RCMP service in BC to bear, Merritt RCMP is able to continue with their day to day operations in serving Merritt and area.

I attended the community forum this morning to help the community through the healing process and clearly Merritt has strong leadership in its Mayor and Council, RCMP detachment commander, public education and social support officials.

We want to thank Mayor Laird for the invitation to attend.

The RCMP remain committed to an open dialogue process as the community of Merritt tries to cope and understand this unimaginable incident.

We continue to urge anyone with information on this matter or information on the whereabouts of Allan Dwayne SHOENBORN, to please contact the Merritt RCMP or CRIMESTOPPERS. It still may come down to that critical piece of information from the public that may lead us to bring justice to this tragedy.

Thank you again. 
    

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