Authorities have released a distressing update regarding the mother of three girls believed to have been killed by their father in Washington State in May.
A large-scale search was launched after Whitney Decker, Travis Decker’s ex-wife, reported her children missing on May 30. Her daughters, Olivia, five, Evelyn, eight, and Paityn, nine, did not return home after a scheduled court-ordered visit with their father.
Travis Decker was supposed to return the girls to their home in Wenatchee but never arrived.
Police later confirmed that Whitney’s three daughters were discovered deceased at Rock Island Campground on June 2, about 40 miles from where Decker was supposed to bring them back.
The suspected cause of death for the children is asphyxiation, and DNA testing earlier this month identified Decker as the sole suspect in the case.
Charges have been filed against Decker for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping after the children’s bodies were located near his white 2017 GMC Sierra truck, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.
Decker remains missing nearly three months later, with the FBI intensifying efforts to locate him earlier this week.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office representative, Mike Morrison, has given an update on the hunt for Decker and mentioned his recent conversation with Whitney regarding the ongoing search.
Morrison stated: “We understand the frustration. We’re feeling it as well.”
He further explained: “We know the girls wouldn’t want us to give up, and I had a phone call with Whitney last night.”
According to Morrison, Whitney is understandably ‘frustrated’ by the drawn-out process and is seeking ‘closure’.
“Naturally, she desires closure through locating Travis and ensuring he faces justice,” Morrison added.
Whitney has expressed her determination to find Decker ‘dead or alive’ to achieve peace.
On August 25, it was announced that the FBI had joined efforts to secure crucial answers for Whitney and her family.
“The FBI Seattle Office will be coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to conduct a unified search in the vicinity of Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Washington,” Morrison stated.
“This focused operation will again traverse rugged and heavily forested areas within U.S. Forest Service land.”
“The terrains being searched are exceptionally difficult, featuring steep inclines, dense vegetation, limited cell reception, and unpredictable conditions.”
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Authorities caution the public against engaging with him if encountered, as he may be considered armed and dangerous.