GoFundMe Campaign for Mom of 3 Girls Who Police Suspect Were Killed by Dad Raises Over $1 Million
Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead on June 2 in Chelan County, Wash., three days after they never returned from a planned visit with their father, Travis Decker
Travis is the subject of an ongoing manhunt and is wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interferenceSupport has been shown for Whitney Decker, the Washington state mother whose three daughters police suspect were murdered by their father.
The donations on a GoFundMe campaign set up to help Whitney with expenses and legal costs amid the tragic loss of Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, have soared over $1 million as of Monday, June 9.
"Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable," organizer and friend Amy Edwards wrote. "I've known Whitney for years, we're both dance moms and theater friends [and I've] had the privilege of teaching Whitney's girls."
Edwards says the 'funds raised will go directly to Whitney to help cover final expenses, support time off from work, and give her space to heal without financial pressure.'
'Thank you for keeping Whitney and her girls in your hearts,' the family friend added.
The girls were found dead on June 2 after authorities located their father's pickup truck near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, PEOPLE previously reported, citing police. Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, had not returned on time from a 'planned visitation' on May 30, leading the girls to being reported missing.
Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported.
While Travis has yet to be found, he is facing charges related to his daughters' deaths. Authorities have said he is wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interference.
"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," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said at a press conference on June 3.
Amid the ongoing manhunt for Travis, authorities have been asking the public to come forward with any information and have shared several photos of him. Travis is 5'8 with black hair and brown eyes, and the Chelan County Sheriff's Office previously described him as "dangerous" and said he "may be armed."
The CCSO wrote in a press release shared on Saturday, June 7 that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are searching "dozens of structures and the forests" in the area.
"We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants," the sheriff's office said, adding that a local road was reopened after authorities found "no credible threat."
However, Whitney's attorney, Arianna Cozart, believes Travis died by suicide, she told PEOPLE on Friday, June 6.
The attorney added that although Travis, an Army veteran, struggled with mental health issues, he was a "present and active father up until the end."
Police said in previous statement that Travis was 'homeless and living in his vehicle or at various hotels/motels or at campgrounds in the area.' They also noted that he had prior military experience.
Days before the killings, Travis reportedly conducted online searches about how to move to Canada and allegedly searched a Canadian job site, according to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, The Independent and NBC Right Now. Authorities said they were worried that he was attempting to flee the U.S. into Canada.
"The location of the victims' remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada," the affidavit states, per Fox 13 Seattle.
Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Travis to call 911 immediately and do not attempt approach him. People can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information to the tip line.
Read the original article on People
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