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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
GoFundMe Campaign for Mom of 3 Girls Who Police Suspect Were Killed by Dad Raises Over $1 Million
More than $1 million has been raised on a GoFundMe campaign supporting Whitney Decker, whose three daughters were alleged to have been killed by their father 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
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cause of Death Revealed for 3 Sisters Who Vanished During 'Planned Visitation' with their Dad as He Remains Missing: Reports
The causes of death of sisters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, who were found dead after vanishing on May 30 while visiting their father, have been revealed, according to a preliminary report seen by Fox 13 Seattle The young girls died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, per the outlet The Decker sisters' bodies were found on June 3. Authorities are on a manhunt for the girls' father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, who has been charged with their murdersThe official causes of death of the three young sisters who were found dead after vanishing while visiting their father have reportedly been revealed. Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, who were last seen on May 30 and found dead on Monday, June 2, most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported. This update comes as authorities continue their manhunt for the girls' father, 32-year-old Travis Decker. The Wenatchee Police Department confirmed that the girls were found dead on Monday, June 2, after investigators located Decker's 2017 white GMC Sierra pickup truck near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, though Decker himself could not be located. Police did not share the girls' causes of death or the exact location where their bodies were found at the time. Decker has been newly charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping, according to police. He is already facing custodial interference charges. "It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed, but he may pose a significant risk, if approached," police said, adding that the father has former military experience. Fox 13 Seattle reported that Decker's vehicle was found "with two bloody handprints" nearby where the girls' bodies were located. Various personal items were reportedly found inside, including blankets, food, car seats and a wallet "on the center console." A tent and cooler were also located "a short distance away," indicating signs of recent activity in the camp, according to the outlet. Court documents obtained by Fox 13 Seattle also reportedly stated that Decker's cell phone activity showed "he drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping." The girls were first reported missing on May 30 after they had not returned on time from a 'planned visitation' with Decker. Police said at the time that Decker was 'homeless and living in his vehicle or at various hotels/motels or at campgrounds in the area.' 'The visitation was part of a parenting plan, but he has since gone outside the parameters of it, which is not normal and cause for the alarm,' police added in their statement. On May 31, Washington State Patrol issued an endangered missing person alert, declaring the girls and their father 'at-risk/missing." Officials also shared a photo of Decker's vehicle. While the search lasted through the weekend, authorities canceled the endangered missing persons alert on Monday, June 2, due to the discovery of the girls' bodies. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. A GoFundMe page set up for the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, described their death as "heartbreaking." "We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed ... 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 said the funds raised would cover funeral expenses as well as "support time off from work, and give her space to heal without financial pressure." The page so far has raised $347,200 with a goal of reaching $380,000. PEOPLE has contacted the Chelan County Superior Court and Chelan County coroner's office for comment but did not immediately hear back. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
A Washington senior lost $624K in life savings to a gold bar scam. How the growing scam works
A con artist swindled a senior in Lynwood, Washington, out of $624,000 in life savings in a gold bar scam investigators suspect could be part of a larger ring. Fox 13 Seattle reports that 42-year-old Zhichao Huang was extradited from Los Angeles County back to Washington to face charges in the crime — one that has become increasingly common in recent years. 'You would think that there would be red flags for any reasonable person to recognize, but what people don't realize is smart people get scammed as well,' Deputy Carly Cappetto of the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. [Here are 3 ways to stay ahead]( ?throw=DM1_streamline_managing-money) 5 ways to boost your net worth now — easily up your money game without altering your day-to-day life Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today The 74-year-old victim got caught in the scam when she responded to a computer pop-up that appeared to be from Charles Schwab — the investment firm she and her husband use. She called the number and spoke to someone who claimed to be a federal agent. She was told her bank account had been hacked. Over several weeks, the scammer and his accomplices convinced the woman to sell $624,711 worth of stocks and IRA contributions and convert all that money into gold bars. Then the victim was told to proceed to a parking lot and hand over the gold bars to a man claiming to be a federal agent and wearing a gun. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead While she did hand over the gold bars before he drove off, the victim wisely took a picture of the man and the car he was driving at the meetup. She later shared pictures with police, who arrested Zhichao Huang in connection with the case. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has seen a spike in similar gold bar scams, which target vulnerable seniors. Between May and December 2023, victims lost more than $55 million to this kind of fraud, the center reports. The Lynwood case bears a striking similarity to con jobs occurring all over the country, from Washington to Georgia, where a man was arrested for extorting over $1 million from senios. Investigators are probing whether the scams could be part of a larger ring. Regardless of where the scams take place, they follow the same playbook: A victim sees a fake pop-up that appears to be from a trusted bank or firm, advising the victim to call a number for further instructions. The victim speaks to someone claiming to be a federal agent or customer service rep who tells the victim their accounts have been hacked or are at risk. The victim is told to convert all their cash and investments into a tangible asset like gold. The victim is then directed to hand over the gold at a neutral location like a parking lot and assured their possessions will be safeguarded. After the hand-off, victims are pressured not to tell anyone, or they could be arrested. Fraudsters disappear with the valuables. These schemes are particularly insidious because they rely on elaborate lies, extended manipulation, and face-to-face interactions, leaving victims with nothing. Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy visited seniors in Silver Spring, Maryland to advise them on how to prevent these scams. His tips: Never respond to calls or texts from strangers—or to unsolicited pop-ups. And don't make big financial decisions without at least two people you trust. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) 'Savers are losers': Robert Kiyosaki warned that millions of 401(k)s and IRAs will be 'toast' — here's his advice for older Americans who want to protect their wealth Suze Orman: If you think you're ready to retire, think again — 4 critical money moves to avoid a financial crisis in retirement This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
