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'Evil': New video released in hunt for Travis Decker, suspected of killing his 3 daughters

'Evil': New video released in hunt for Travis Decker, suspected of killing his 3 daughters

USA Todaya day ago

'Evil': New video released in hunt for Travis Decker, suspected of killing his 3 daughters
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New footage of Travis Decker released amid manhunt
Travis Decker is wanted on first-degree murder charges in connection with deaths of his three daughters.
Officials have released additional photos and new video they say show a Washington state father on the run from law enforcement in connection to the slayings of his three young daughters.
Travis Decker, 32, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, first-degree murder, and custodial interference in the killings of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. Following a more than two-day search for the sisters, Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputies on Monday, June 2 found the siblings' bodies at a remote campground with plastic bags over each of their heads and evidence they had been zip-tied, court papers obtained by USA TODAY revealed.
The tragic findings sparked a manhunt, and Chelan County Sheriff's Office told USA TODAY on Thursday afternoon, June 5 it was narrowing its search for Decker after gathering "new information" in the case.
An online fundraiser for sisters' mother had also raised nearly $1 million by Thursday afternoon, June 5.
New photos, video released of Travis Decker
Authorities released new photos and videos of the suspect, Travis Decker, who was the subject of a manhunt involving local, state and federal officials.
When did the three Washington sisters disappear?
The children's mother, Whitney Decker, reported the children missing Friday, May 30, police said, after the siblings left their Wenatchee home for a planned visit for their father. Their home is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle.
Washington State Patrol issued a statewide Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) for the girls on Saturday, May 31. Washington State Patrol was originally contacted on May 30 to request an Amber Alert but the situation "did not meet the required criteria" at the time, Wenatchee police said.
Police tracked Decker's truck and learned the vehicle had traveled west on Highway 2 from Wenatchee on May 30.
On Monday, June 2, a Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputy found the Travis Decker's white 2017 GMC Sierra truck near Rock Island Campground, about 40 miles northwest of Wenatchee.
Officials found the girls' bodies during a search near the truck, but their father was nowhere to be found.
Officers searched the area immediately surrounding the vehicle and found the bodies of the three missing girls about 75-100 yards past the vehicle, down a small embankment, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by USA TODAY.
Investigators traced Travis Decker's cell phone, which revealed he had visited the same campground a day prior to the girls' kidnapping, court papers show.
'These girls were true light'
More than $900,000 was raised in an online fundraiser to help the sibling's mother, Whitney Decker, as Travis Decker, her ex-husband, remained at large.
"These girls were true light in this world and and it is a darker place without them. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces," organizer Amy Edwards, of Wenatchee, wrote on the GoFundMe page.
"I am upping the goal amount of this fundraiser so Whitney can take time off, care for herself and cover the final expenses of the girls without taking a financial hit," Edwards wrote on the page. "Every little bit counts. Send Whitney all of your prayers, love and support. Take some time to today to tell someone you love them."
As of 2:30 p.m. ET on June 5, people had donated more than $900,00 to the fundraiser, which had a goal of over $1 million.
"This world is full of suffering and evil that we will never understand," Edwards wrote in a separate post on her Facebook page. "Our hearts are broken and our souls are weary. Rest peacefully sweet angels. We will miss your beautiful light, your giggles and laughter and seeing you every week. Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia, you will never be forgotten."
USA TODAY has reached out to Edwards.
Warning: 'Please be aware'
Just before noon local time on June 5, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office released updated information about law enforcement's efforts.
"Our teams have written and executed several search warrants around the area and on electronic devices that belonged to Travis Decker," Undersheriff Dan Ozment said adding officials had "gathered new information which in turn has given us more leads to follow up on."
Ozment did not elaborate but warned those who own cabins or live in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas King, Snohomish, and Okanagan counties to be on high alert because Decker was still at large.
"As law enforcement conducts their searches, we are asking for those owners to lock allof their doors, to include any sheds out outbuildings, and leave their window blinds open and we recommend leaving outside lights on," Ozment wrote in the statement.
Travis Decker well-versed in outdoor survival
Authorities in Washington state said Decker may have scoped out a hiding location before venturing into the wilderness using outdoor survival skills.
Investigators learned from Decker's father he is well-versed in outdoor survival, a skill that may have assisted his efforts to avoid detection, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said at a June 4 news conference.
In addition to being an outdoorsman, Decker attended mountain survival school and served in the U.S. Army.
"It sounds like at times he would go out and would be (living) off grid for sometimes up to two and a half months," Morrison told reporters. "He could have scoped out this area before (he) put supplies out there and has the ability and the knowledge to survive for a long period of time."
How did the Decker sister's die?
The three girls likely died of asphyxiation, court filings reveal.
"Their wrists were also zipped tied or showed signs of being zip tied," according to the affidavit, and each girl was found with a plastic bag over her head.
Travis Decker had exhibited mental health issues prior to the girls' deaths, the court filings show.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

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