Authorities have provided new information regarding the ongoing search for a father in Washington state, accused of the tragic murder of his three daughters.
The alarm was initially raised by Travis Decker’s former spouse, Whitney, on May 30, when their daughters, Olivia (5), Evelyn (8), and Paityn (9), did not come back from a court-ordered visit with their father.
Decker had been scheduled to return the girls to their home in Wenatchee, Washington State, but failed to do so.
Tragically, local authorities later discovered the girls’ bodies at Rock Island Campground on June 2, approximately 40 miles from the intended drop-off location.
It is believed the girls died from asphyxiation, and DNA testing has identified Decker as the sole suspect in this heartbreaking case.
The bodies of the children were discovered near their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck. Decker faces charges of three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, as confirmed by the Wenatchee Police Department.
Despite a massive search effort, Decker remains at large nearly three months later, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
Recent efforts have been scaled back, authorities revealed in an update last month.
On August 25, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced that the FBI is now taking the lead in searching for additional clues in the case.
Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison stated: “Beginning today, Monday, August 25, through Tuesday, August 26, the FBI Seattle Office will be leading federal, state, and local agencies in conducting a coordinated search near Rock Island Campground outside of Leavenworth, Washington.”
The search is focusing on rugged and densely wooded terrain within U.S. Forest Service land.
The sheriff mentioned that the areas are challenging due to steep hillsides, dense brush, minimal cell service, and unpredictable conditions.
The search, led over the past 12 weeks by the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit, has been described as ‘painstaking and difficult,’ with authorities struggling to find definitive answers.
“At this time, no conclusive evidence has been found to indicate whether Travis Decker is alive or deceased,” Morrison added.
An award of up to $20,000 remains for information directly leading to Decker’s arrest, and the public is advised against approaching him, as he may be ‘considered armed and dangerous’.