Washington Father Kills Three Young Daughters: Police Can't Find Him

Federal authorities are searching for Travis Decker, 32, a father accused of kidnapping and killing his young daughters at a Washington state campground. The crime and the search for the suspect are described in NPR.

Photo: Iandewarphotography | Dreamstime.com

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has been searching for Decker since the evening of May 30. That day, the suspect's ex-wife, Whitney Decker, told police that their three daughters, 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Peytin, had failed to return from a planned visit with their father.

After several days of searching, police found Decker's empty car near a campsite in central Washington on June 1, and the bodies of his daughters next to it. Their 32-year-old father was missing.

On the subject: A father killed his little daughter, hid the body in a trash can, and then committed suicide.

State, local and federal law enforcement agencies have joined the search for Decker. Governor Bob Ferguson announced on June 7 that he was using emergency funds and deploying Washington National Guard resources, including helicopters to transport law enforcement officers, to assist in the search.

"As a parent, my heart goes out to Peytin's mother, Evelyn, and Olivia, and to everyone who loved them," Ferguson wrote on Facebook. "The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state."

The U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $20 reward for information leading to the arrest of Decker, who is described as a "former military man with excellent tactical training."

"The information received suggests that Decker is well trained in wilderness survival and is capable of surviving alone for days or even weeks with minimal equipment," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Authorities say it is unknown if Decker is armed, but he should be considered dangerous. People are warned to call 911 immediately and not to approach him if they see him.

The Sheriff's Office is asking residents or homeowners in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish and Okanogan counties to lock their doors, leave their window blinds open and outside lights on. They are also advised to check their video doorbells and security cameras for signs of Decker.

As of the evening of June 9, authorities believed he may be in the Ingalls Creek and Valley High area.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said as of Monday, June 9, more than 500 tips had been received from the public, new electronic evidence had been collected and "hundreds of square miles ... by land, water and air" had been searched.

What is known about Decker

According to Army spokesman Maj. Travis Shaw, Decker served in the Army as an infantryman from March 2013 to July 2021. He served in Afghanistan from March to July 2014, finishing his tour with the rank of staff sergeant.

Whitney Decker told police that she and her ex-husband had three children together and that they had divorced after seven years of marriage several years ago.

She said they had been following a court-ordered parenting plan that included seeing their father every other week on weekends. Whitney said Decker had a good relationship with the children and there had been no issues with the recent visits or interactions.

According to the mother of the murdered children, her husband used to behave normally, but now he has mental health problems.

She says Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder shortly before their divorce, and Whitney doubts he is receiving any treatment.

Additionally, the ex-husband is considered homeless, spending his nights in hotels, motels, and campgrounds. The parenting plan was updated to prohibit overnight stays with the children after he became homeless.

The ex-wife told police that on May 30, the last time they spoke, Decker was calm but "quieter than usual, which is unusual for him."

He recently considered giving up his dog because he was experiencing housing and financial difficulties, including unpaid child support being withheld from his salary.

"Whitney says their children and dog are the most important things in his life," the investigation documents say.

What is known about the murder

Decker's abandoned car and the bodies of his daughters were found in a remote campsite near the Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest near Leavenworth.

The documents say his pickup contained blankets, car seats, food, a wallet and other items, and "two handprints, presumably bloody," on the tailgate. An abandoned campsite "with signs of recent human occupation" was found nearby.

According to the case materials, the bodies of the three girls were found 90 meters from the car behind a small slope, with plastic bags and zip ties lying around. Each of them had a plastic bag on their head, and "their wrists were tied with zip ties or had marks from them."

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said Monday, June 9, that blood samples from the crime scene tested positive for the man's DNA. Other traces of blood were found, but none were human. Among the items found were Decker's personal belongings and his dog, which was turned over to the local SPCA.

On the same day, investigators determined that the cause of the girls' death was strangulation, and the manner of death was ruled murder.

What is known about the search?

Law enforcement officials released photographs and videos of Decker taken in the days leading up to May 30, interviewed his acquaintances and checked the places he visited, although they suggested he may have already left the area.

"We are working with neighboring counties in case Decker decides to cross into their territory through the woods," Chelan County officials said Friday, June 6.

Late on June 9, they announced that Decker was believed to be in the Ingalls Creek and Valley High area, about 10 miles south of Leavenworth. They said there would be an increased police presence there to ensure security.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and call 911 in the event of any suspicious situation.

Read also on ForumDaily:

American woman killed her 6-year-old son: she insists she 'exorcised demons from him'

Colorado Attacker Says He 'Wanted to Kill All Zionists': What We Know About Him

Russian-speaking teenager killed mother and stepfather in Wisconsin and lived in house with their bodies for weeks

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.