Manhunt continues for father accused of killing daughters near Washington campground

Yahoo

2 days ago

The manhunt continued on Wednesday for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters near a campground in Washington, with officials saying he could be "anywhere within the nation."
Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were killed after they left home for a "planned visitation" with Decker at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.
At approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, officials located Decker's vehicle unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, police said in a press release on Tuesday. Additional law enforcement officers responded to the scene and found the bodies of the three girls, but "Decker was not located," police said.
A $20,00 reward has been offered for any information leading to Decker's arrest, police said during a press conference on Tuesday evening.
Local officials are working with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshal's Office in their search for Decker.
"We will not rest until we have located him," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during the press conference. "He can be anywhere within the nation, so that's why we have our federal partners on scene helping us bring in additional resources."
MORE: 3 young sisters found dead after being reported missing in Washington, police searching for father
Decker, who is homeless and has been living in his vehicle or at various motels or campgrounds in the area, is currently wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping, police said. He is a former member of the military with "extensive training," but it is unknown whether he is currently armed, officials said.
"Travis, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in, do the right thing, do what you need to do and take accountability for your actions. We're not going to rest, and we're going to make sure we find you. You will be brought to justice, those young ladies deserve it," Morrison said.
Prior to discovering the girls' bodies, police said visitation had been a part of the family's parenting plan, but Decker went "outside the parameters of it which is not normal and cause for the alarm."
On Tuesday, officials revealed the mother of the girls, Whitney Decker, contacted police on Friday with a civil complaint, saying there were concerns of Decker being "financially stressed recently" and gave authorities information on the his vehicle. In a statement provided to ABC News, Whitney Decker said she was "concerned" about the safety of her children and that she "just wants the girls back home safe and sound."
Detectives later learned Travis Decker and his daughters did not arrive at a "planned 5K running event" on Saturday.
At the time, the investigation had not met Amber Alert criteria, officials said, but an Endangered Missing Persons Alert had been issued through the Washington State Patrol. Before the discovery of the girls' bodies, officials said they were granted arrest warrants for Decker on three counts of custodial interference.
Details regarding the daughters' cause of death will be kept private until officials said they can "ensure that the information we are sharing is not going to compromise the investigation."
Decker, who is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts, according to police. Decker's father is flying in to speak with detectives, officials said.
Officials said anyone who has any information on Decker or knows of his whereabouts should call 911 immediately. Another press conference regarding the search for Decker will be held on Wednesday evening, officials said.