Washington State Father Fleeing After Allegedly Murdering Three Daughters
A man from Washington state has evaded law enforcement for almost a week following the tragic deaths of his three young daughters, discovered in distressing conditions at a campsite in Chelan County. Officials report that Travis Caleb Decker, 32, did not have custody of the girls, ages 5, 8, and 9. Preliminary findings suggest that they may have died from choking. Decker has military experience and is known for his skills in outdoor survival.
According to Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, Decker likely has advanced survival training. “We’re certain he’s familiar with Mountain Survival School,” he mentioned in a press briefing. “But we also recognize he’s been an outdoor enthusiast since childhood.” The FBI is aiding local authorities in the ongoing manhunt.
Decker’s ex-wife, 35-year-old Whitney Decker, told authorities that after his visit with the girls on Friday, he did not return them as required by the court-ordered parenting plan. Morrison noted that a motive has not yet been identified, commenting, “That’s clearly not a rational decision.” Despite the court plan, Decker was limited to supervised visits rather than overnight stays, which he had not signed.
Whitney informed investigators that Decker had never failed to return the children on time before. However, she expressed concern over his mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder. The affidavit indicates that he is currently homeless, splitting time between a motel and a campsite.
Decker drives a 2017 white GMC Sierra with Washington license plate D20165C. Surveillance captured his vehicle heading north across Wenatchee Bridge around 5:41 PM on Friday. Subsequently, authorities located the truck at Rock Island Campground on Monday, where the bodies of the three girls were discovered nearby, each showing signs of having been restrained with plastic bags over their heads.
Authorities found two bloody bills on the truck’s tailgate. Decker has been charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder, and his exact whereabouts are still unknown. He is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 190 pounds, with dark hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on both arms. Recently, he has been seen with a mustache and goatee.
Law enforcement is unclear on whether Decker is armed but warns that he should be treated as dangerous. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who spots him to call 911 immediately and keep a safe distance. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for any information leading to his arrest.
In a news conference, Sheriff Morrison emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we can’t abandon our efforts to locate you,” he stated. “It’s time to come forward and do what’s right for your children.” Anyone with pertinent information should reach out to the Chelan County Sheriff’s tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit tips online.
