The RCMP have confirmed the identity of the third homicide victim in the province’s north.

The body of 64-year-old Leonard Dyck was found last Friday along Highway 37 near Dease Lake, two kilometres from the burned out truck of two teens at the centre of a nationwide manhunt.

Dyck worked as a botanical lecturer at the University of British Columbia. His family released the following statement yesterday:

“We are truly heart broken by the sudden and tragic loss of Len. He was a loving husband and father. His death has created unthinkable grief and we are struggling to understand what has happened. While we understand there will be interest in knowing more about him and the impact he had during his life, we are asking for the public and the media to please respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

Eighteen-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky and 19-year-old Kam McLeod have been charged with second degree murder in the death of Dyck, and both are suspects in the killing of Australian Lucas Fowler and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese along the Alaska Highway.

The pair were last spotted near Gillam Manitoba, 1,100 km north of Winnipeg. Police believe they are still in the area.