The official causes of death have been determined for three young sisters found dead after vanishing during a planned visit with their father.
A nationwide manhunt is underway for 32-year-old Travis Decker, accused of the murders of his three daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5).
The Wenatchee Police Department reported that the girls were found dead inside Decker’s vehicle around 3 p.m. on Monday near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington. Decker was not at the scene.
Travis Decker
A manhunt continues for Travis Decker, wanted for murder. Credit: Wenatchee Police Department
Police have issued an urgent appeal for help locating Decker, described as highly skilled in wilderness survival and capable of living off-grid for extended periods, potentially weeks or months, with minimal supplies. His father told authorities that Decker has previously lived off-grid for up to 2.5 months.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison stated, “This was not the outcome we hoped for. We’re determined to find Travis.” A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
Morrison added, “We will not stop until he’s found. He could be anywhere in the country, and our federal partners are assisting with additional resources.”
Decker, who has been living homeless in his vehicle or at campgrounds, faces three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. It’s unclear if he is armed.
Sheriff Morrison directly addressed Decker: “Travis, if you’re listening, turn yourself in. Do the right thing and take accountability. We will find you, and justice will be served for those young girls.”
Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker
The three sisters were found dead under horrific circumstances. Credit: Wenatchee Police Department
Decker’s ex-wife informed police that he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, for which he reportedly does not take medication.
Decker is 5 feet 8 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. Authorities urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 911 immediately.
Court documents obtained by ABC News revealed chilling details: the girls were found with plastic bags over their heads, wrists bound with zip ties, and had been suffocated. Police discovered zip ties and plastic bags scattered around the vehicle, along with two bloody handprints on the truck.
A June 9 press release from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, shared with People magazine, confirmed that an autopsy conducted on June 6 determined the cause of death as suffocation, with the manner of death classified as homicide.
