In a devastating development, authorities have announced that the three girls who disappeared last week are believed to have died from asphyxiation. Meanwhile, police are still searching for their father, who is the suspected perpetrator.
On Friday, May 30, Whitney Decker reported her three daughters, Paityn (nine), Evelyn (eight), and Olivia (five), missing after they did not return home from a scheduled visit with their father.
Travis Decker, her former husband, was supposed to bring the children back to their residence in Wenatchee, Washington, but never showed up.
Tragically, authorities discovered the bodies of all three girls at the Rock Island Campground in Illinois, approximately 40 miles from their home, around 5 pm on Monday, June 2.
The girls’ bodies were located near their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck.
The preliminary report submitted to the Chelan County Superior Court, as reported by Fox 13, indicates that the probable cause of death for the three sisters was asphyxiation.
The Wenatchee Police Department has confirmed that Decker remains at large and has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
A search is ongoing to locate the 32-year-old, who was last seen picking up the girls from their mother on Friday.
After failing to return her daughters, Whitney contacted the police and stated that her calls to Decker went directly to voicemail.
Decker’s truck was later spotted in the west end of Leavenworth, leading to an extensive search of the wooded areas in the vicinity.
The NY Post reports that when officers examined the vehicle, they discovered personal items such as blankets, food, car seats, a wallet, and two bloody handprints.
Cell phone data also shows that Decker visited and left the campsite where the girls were found deceased a day before the alleged abduction.
Decker is thought to be homeless, residing in his vehicle or staying at campsites and hotels in the local area with his dog.
His ex-wife, who he divorced several years ago, noted that he had been exhibiting signs of mental health struggles.
Law enforcement has cautioned the public against approaching Decker, citing his military background as a contributing factor to the ‘significant risk’ he poses. It is currently unknown if he is armed.
The authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating Decker, while advising them not to engage with him directly.
He is described as having a height of 5 feet 8 inches, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
If anyone in the community spots Decker, they are urged to call 911.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Whitney with expenses and legal fees following the death of her daughters, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on the family.
The fundraiser, which has reached over $349,000 at the time of writing, mentions the girls’ love for dance and theater.
Part of the message reads: “We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed. Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable.”
Contributions to the fundraiser can be made here.
If you have experienced a loss and wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.
If you or someone you know is in distress or crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to access a 24-hour crisis center, or visit 988lifeline.org for web chat services. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.