Authorities are conducting an urgent manhunt for Travis Caleb Decker, the 32-year-old father of three young girls found dead near a Washington campground.
Decker is the prime suspect in the deaths of his daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—whose bodies were discovered Monday evening at the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee, about three hours east of Seattle.
According to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, the girls likely died from asphyxiation.
The girls were found close to their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck, with evidence at the scene including two bloody handprints, blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet.
The nearby campsite showed clear signs of recent use, further linking the location to the incident. Surveillance footage and phone data placed Decker in the Leavenworth area shortly before the girls went missing.
Decker, a military veteran with extensive training, has been homeless for some time and was divorced from the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, several years ago. He was known to camp in the area and occasionally stayed in local hotels with his dog.
Described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, he was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Authorities have issued a warning that he may be armed and is considered dangerous; they advise against approaching him.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest on multiple charges, including three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. Additionally, there was a previous warrant for first-degree custodial interference.
The tragic case began to unfold after Decker picked up the girls on Friday for a scheduled visitation but failed to return them as planned. When his phone went straight to voicemail, their mother, Whitney, grew increasingly concerned and contacted the police.
Whitney, who had sole custody of the children, had agreed to supervised visitation under a court-mandated parenting plan that required Decker to participate in mental health treatment and anger management.
Court records reveal that Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but was reportedly noncompliant with the treatment requirements.
Just hours before the girls’ bodies were discovered, Whitney made a heartfelt plea for their safe return. “I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” she said, describing the situation as “unimaginable.” The AMBER alerts for the children were canceled late Monday after their bodies were found, and police confirmed their deaths the following morning.
The search for Decker has mobilized multiple agencies, including SWAT teams and federal entities such as Homeland Security and the U.S. Forest Service. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Decker’s whereabouts to call 911 immediately, emphasizing the importance of public safety.