The two teenagers who shot dead Australian tourist Lucas Fowler, his US girlfriend Chynna Deese and university lecturer Leonard Dyck on a murderous highway rampage in Canada hoped to hijack a boat and sail to Africa or Europe to elude authorities.
The dramatic plan was captured on a video Kam McLeod, 18, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 19, took as Canada's police and military chased them more than 3,000km across northern Canada.
Kam McLeod (L) and Bryer Schmegelsky (R) claimed responsibility for the murders. Source: Supplied
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has released a report on its investigation, which points to the murders as being random and suggests the teens were seeking "notoriety" for their bloodshed.
"There's no indication these were planned or predicted," Assistant commissioner Kevin Hackett told reporters at a briefing in Vancouver.
Kam McLeod, 18, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 19, went on a murder rampage in northern British Columbia in July, first shooting dead Mr Fowler, 23, from Sydney, and Ms Deese, 24, from North Carolina.
Security camera images recorded in Saskatchewan of Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, are displayed at a police media conference. Source: The Canadian Press
The couple's van had broken down and RCMP assistant commissioner Kevin Hackett said McLeod and Schmegelsky targeted them for "unknown reasons".
"There's no indication these were planned or predicted," Commissioner Hackett told reporters in Vancouver.
McLeod and Schmegelsky then shot and killed 64-year-old University of British Columbia botany lecturer Mr Dyck four days later, stole his Toyota RAV4, set their own Dodge pick-up truck on fire and sparked a nationwide manhunt.
The teenagers also stole Mr Dyck's digital camera and recorded six videos and three still images as they drove more than 3,000km east to Gillam, Manitoba.
Lucas Fowler (right) and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese, were found dead on the Alaska Highway in British Columbia. Source: ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE
Their bodies were found in bushland after deciding to end their lives, Commissioner Hackett said.
The RCMP will not be releasing the videos or photos on the camera as they believe it may inspire copycat killers and the belief the teenagers recorded the videos to add to their notoriety.
In the videos they showed no remorse and did not reveal a motive but said they were willing to kill other people.
"They were cold, they were remorseless," Commissioner Hackett said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (up to age 25).
