Washington Manhunt: Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters Near Leavenworth
A desperate manhunt is underway in central Washington for Travis Decker, 32, suspected of murdering his three young daughters. The girls, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) Decker, were discovered near a campground in Leavenworth. Authorities report they were found with plastic bags over their heads.
Details of the Disappearance
The children were last seen on Friday evening during a planned visit with Decker. Their mother, Whitney, grew concerned when he failed to return them at the agreed time and ceased communication. In a Facebook post, she stated that this behavior was unusual for him.
The Suspect
Decker, a former Army soldier with specialized training, is now wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping. Law enforcement officials advise the public not to approach him due to potential danger. He is believed to be either living out of his white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck or staying in motels and campgrounds in the area.
The Investigation
Authorities located Decker’s unoccupied truck near a campground after a weekend-long search. A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of the girls' bodies. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Background
According to an affidavit, Whitney Decker informed police of her concerns for the girls' safety, mentioning that Travis had been experiencing mental health issues and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, for which he was not taking medication. An AMBER Alert request by the Wenatchee Police Department was initially denied by the Washington State Patrol due to insufficient evidence of immediate danger to the children.
