Ongoing search for father accused of murdering three little girls near a campground in the Washington vicinity
A nationwide manhunt is on for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old ex-military man, accused of brutally snuffing out the lives of his three little angels, ages 5, 8, and 9, near a campground in Washington. Authorities believe he could be roaming anywhere across the nation.
Friday evening, the girls – Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker – left home to spend a planned visit with their father, only to never return. By Monday afternoon, Decker's vehicle was located near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, and the girls' lifeless bodies were discovered. Yet, Decker remained elusive.
Plastic bags covered the girls' heads, and their wrists were tightly zip-tied, court documents reveal. Stray zip ties and plastic bags were spotted around Decker's vehicle, and the truck's tailgate had what seemed to be bloodstained handprints.
During a Wednesday press conference, Sheriff Mike Morrison shared that they continued the search throughout the day, following up on tips from social media sources nationwide. "Regrettably, this wasn't the outcome we'd hoped for," Morrison expressed. "We had fervently hoped to locate Travis today."
Officials confirmed that Decker was proficient in wilderness survival, capable of enduring days or even weeks alone in the wild with minimal equipment. Reports suggest his father claimed Decker had lived off the grid for up to 2.5 months at a stretch.
More insights emerged regarding Decker's military background on Wednesday. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 during his active service in the Army and switched to the Washington National Guard in 2021 from the active component. Plans for an administrative separation began in 2023 or 2024, although the process had yet to commence, leaving Decker still within the Washington National Guard.
A $20,000 reward is on offer for any information leading to Decker's apprehension. Collaboration with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Marshal's Office is ongoing. "We won't rest until we've located him," Morrison vowed. "He could be anywhere within the nation, so that's why we have our federal partners on scene."
Decker, currently feared to be homeless and residing in his vehicle or motels in the area, is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. Officials confirm he has "substantial training" but are unsure if he's currently armed.
If you have any information about Decker or know his whereabouts, contact 911 immediately. Another press conference will be held on Wednesday evening, authorities announced. Let justice prevail for these innocent, precious lives cut far too short.
- In light of the recent tragedy, there has been an increasing demand for general news, crime-and-justice coverage, and updates on the manhunt for Travis Decker, who is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.
- The brutal actions of Travis Decker, a 32-year-old ex-military man, have sparked a nationwide discussion about justice, as he is accused of snuffing out the lives of his three little angels, ages 5, 8, and 9.
- As the hunt for Travis Decker continues, health and wellness officials are urging citizens to prioritize their personal safety while being vigilant, emphasizing the importance of keeping informed about war-and-conflicts, politics, and current events, including this ongoing search.
