Harrowing cause of death revealed for three young sisters

Perth Now

a day ago

The autopsy results for three young sisters allegedly murdered by their dad have been revealed as their father continues to elude a police manhunt.
Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were discovered on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington days after they were reported missing following a scheduled visit with their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker.
According to a press release on June 9 from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), autopsies conducted by the county medical examiner determined that all three girls died from suffocation.
Their deaths have been officially ruled as homicides.
The three girls were last seen on May 30 during a court-approved visitation with Mr Decker, who failed to return them. Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 Credit: Facebook
Authorities located his pickup truck days later, which led them to the remote campsite where the children were found. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered a significant amount of evidence, including Mr Decker's personal belongings.
Blood samples collected from the scene have been analysed, with one confirmed as male and another identified as non-human, according to the sheriff's office.
Additional DNA and fingerprint analysis is ongoing. Mr Decker's dog was also located at the scene and turned over to the local humane society.
Mr Decker is currently wanted on multiple charges, including three counts of murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference, and authorities warn that he may be dangerous due to his prior military experience.
As of Sunday evening, June 8, local search operations transitioned to federal authorities, though the CCSO remains in charge of the criminal investigation. Officials cited the need to rest exhausted local teams, stating that their command staff continues to coordinate with federal search leaders.
'We had reached a point where we need to rest our local resources,' the CCSO said.
'Our teams will be ready to rejoin the search for and capture of the suspect after time off to rest and recuperate.'
Authorities have released multiple photos of Mr Decker and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
He is described as 5'8' tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who sees him is advised not to approach and to call 911 immediately. GEN The bodies of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8) and Olivia (5) Decker have been found at around 5 pm on Monday down a small embankment near the Rock Island Campground in Washington state, about two hours east of Seattle. Supplied photo of Travis Decker. Pic. Wenatchee Police Department. Credit: Supplied
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign established to support the girls' mother with expenses and legal costs has raised more than $1 million as of June 9.
The community has rallied in support, expressing grief and solidarity amid the devastating loss.