Authorities Intensify Search for Washington Man Accused of Killing His Three Daughters
ICARO Media Group
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Police are on the hunt for a 32-year-old Washington man, Travis Decker, suspected of murdering his three young daughters one week ago. Decker faces kidnapping and first-degree murder charges related to the deaths of his daughters, aged nine, eight, and five, as reported by the Wenatchee Police Department.
Authorities believe Decker, an experienced outdoorsman with military training in mountain survival, may be hiding in the remote and rugged terrains of Washington state. This has complicated the manhunt, with officials warning that Decker poses a significant risk if approached.
Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, the three young victims, were found dead from apparent suffocation at a secluded campground. Their tragic end came to light after their mother reported them missing on 30 May when Decker did not return them following a visit and failed to respond to her calls.
Days later, on 2 June, police located the girls' bodies near the campground, along with Decker's cellphone and his truck, which he appeared to be living in. However, Decker himself was not present at the scene.
"He clearly wasn't of a sound mind, and any motive wouldn't be acceptable," said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison at a recent press conference, urging Decker to surrender. The Sheriff's remarks highlight the confusion surrounding Decker's possible motives, particularly given his survival skills that may aid his evasion.
According to Sheriff Morrison, Decker's family indicated that he frequently went off-grid for extended periods, sometimes lasting up to two and a half months. This capability might be assisting him in evading capture by authorities, including the FBI.
The search for Decker has led to closures of national forests in the area, disrupting popular hiking sites. With a $20,000 reward announced by the US Marshals Service for information leading to his capture, authorities are intensifying their efforts to bring Decker to justice.
"We're committed to finding a peaceful resolution, but we won't stop our search efforts," emphasized Sheriff Morrison. "It's time to turn yourself in and do what's right for your children."