Blood at campsite where three sisters were killed linked to girls' wanted dad

Daily Mirror

a day ago

A manhunt is underway for ex-US Army soldier Travis Decker, 39, whose three daughters were found dead in a tent in a remote campsite in Washington with police saying blood found at the site may be his
Blood found at a campsite where three sisters were killed has been linked to the former soldier father who vanished after his three daughters were killed at the remote campsite in Washington, police said today.
The bodies of Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, were discovered in a tent close to an abandoned white pickup truck belonging to their 39-year-old father, Travis Decker, who remains at large. Officers from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office have now revealed that male blood has been found at the Rock Island campground. Investigators say the girls were visiting their dad during a court-ordered visitation at the time of the killing.
It comes after police claim to have spotted the ex-soldier for the first time since the manhunt was launched. A man, believed to be Decker, was seen near a remote late by hikers - who mentioned he looked ill-prepared for the treacherous terrain.
The man fled the scene when a police helicopter flew over the remote area after the alarm was raised. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in an update on Facebook that officers believe they know the man's whereabouts, but reminded members of the public not to approach him.
A preliminary report into the shocking deaths said the sisters appeared to have died from asphyxiation. Authorities searching for the former Army solider said he is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. Police have also warned the public"do not approach" the ex-solider with "extensive training" if he is seen - instead urging the public to call 911.
"We are asking for the public, especially those who live or have cabins in the area, to remain highly vigilant and report any suspicious activity," the sheriff's office shared in their latest update after the sighting. "Our office recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others.
"As the search continues in the area, we are asking that anyone who may have a cabin, or reside in the area report any suspicious activity, lock your doors and vehicles, and look out for your neighbour's property."
Cops also found Decker's vehicle with two bloody handprints, close to where the girls were located. Police also discovered personal items like a wallet, food, car seats, and blankets. The location even showed signs somebody had recently been nearby, before cops showed up, as they found a tent a short walk away.
The alarm was raised after Decker did not drop his daughters back to their mother. In a Facebook post shared on May 31, Mrs Decker said: "Last night at 8pm Travis was supposed to drop the girls back off with me and never showed.
"The cops have him going north out of Wenatchee at 5:41. If you could please all keep an eye out for him, his phone is off and every hotel in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee have been checked."
Captain Brian Chance, from the local police force, said the mum "expressed concern because Decker reportedly had never done this before and … is currently experiencing some mental health issues." He added: "What prompted her to call us was that ... he was late returning the girls and had not communicated to her that he was going to be late, which was his typical fashion and so this was out of the ordinary."
Decker and his wife have been divorced for several years but he had been allowed to see his daughters every other weekend during specific hours - the dad had been known to stay at motels and camping sites after he lost his home. His ex-wife claimed Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and she believed he did not take medication for it, according to court documents.