One week after the grim discovery of three young girls at a campsite in Washington state, police are intensively searching for their father, Travis Decker, who is suspected in their deaths and is believed to be hiding in the wilderness.
Decker is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder following the tragic deaths of his daughters — Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 — at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County. The bodies of the girls were found on Tuesday, reportedly suffocated, prompting a swift investigation led by the Wenatchee Police Department in conjunction with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
In a bid to locate Decker, who previously served in the U.S. Army, the sheriff’s office has released new photographs showcasing his distinctive tattoos, hairstyle, and last-known clothing. Authorities are concerned that Decker, with experiences in wilderness survival, may have prepared for an extended period of hiding by stashing supplies in the area, complicating the search efforts.
Sheriff Mike Morrison addressed Decker directly during a press conference, urging him to turn himself in. “Travis, if you’re out there seeing us, we’d like you to turn yourself in,” Morrison stated. “We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we’re not going to relinquish our efforts. So please turn yourself in. Let’s wrap this up and do what’s right for your kids.”
The tragic case began on May 30 when the girls’ mother reported them missing, suspecting something was wrong when they did not return home from a scheduled visit with Decker. A Chelan County deputy discovered their bodies near their father’s unoccupied truck on Monday, which was found just a short distance from the campground.
Investigators revealed that the girls showed signs of asphyxiation, with court documents indicating their wrists bore marks consistent with being zip-tied and plastic bags placed over their heads.
Decker’s vehicle, found close to the crime scene, contained bloody handprints on the exterior, along with personal items such as blankets, food supplies, car seats, and his wallet, raising further suspicions about his involvement in the tragedy.
Having served in the military, Decker possesses skills in wilderness survival, including a Ranger tab that signifies advanced training, which authorities believe could make him particularly elusive in the search efforts. At the same time, he had previously been reported living in various temporary accommodations like motels and campgrounds, as he faced homelessness.
According to reports, Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and his mental health had been declining prior to the incident. His ex-wife, concerned for the safety of their children, had allowed him limited day visit access, controlled through a court-approved visitation schedule.
As the search continues, police have cautioned the public that Decker is considered dangerous and may potentially be armed. In light of the seriousness of the case, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has deployed the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in the search and has pledged emergency funding, including helicopter support for searches in rugged terrain.
Numerous trails, campgrounds, and forest service roads throughout the North Cascades and surrounding regions have been closed as part of the efforts to locate Decker. The search is extensive and continues to cover areas close to where the girls’ bodies were found, with parts of the Pacific Crest Trail also shut down, highlighting the urgency and depth of the search operations.
With Decker described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings while urging individuals not to approach him directly. If anyone has information related to the case, they are encouraged to call 911 immediately.
The tragic loss of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia has left a community in mourning, while the authorities remain committed to seeking justice for the young victims. As the search for Travis Decker intensifies, hopes for a peaceful resolution dwindle, with investigators focused on piecing together the events leading up to that fateful night at the campground.
image source from：https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-release-new-images-of-travis-decker-the-washington-state-dad-suspected-of-killing-3-daughters-as-manhunt-still-underway-172101087.html
