Authorities have uncovered new DNA evidence linking Travis Decker, 32, to the tragic murders of his three young daughters, deepening an already disturbing case and fueling an extensive manhunt.
Decker is now the sole suspect in the deaths of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, whose bodies were discovered on June 2 near his abandoned truck at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington.
DNA Confirms Decker’s Presence
Investigators confirmed that blood found on the tailgate of Decker’s truck at the scene belongs to him. His DNA was also previously recovered from other key items at the location.
“We know, positively, that all of the DNA samples recovered belong to the same male subject, who we believe is Mr. Decker,” said Undersheriff Dan Ozment.
“There is no evidence to suggest anyone else is involved.”
Chilling Crime Scene Details
The girls were reported missing on May 30, after Decker failed to return them to their mother, Whitney Decker, following a scheduled court-ordered visit. Their mother’s calls went unanswered, prompting a missing persons report.
Three days later, the bodies of the sisters were found near Decker’s truck. According to investigators, each girl had been suffocated, with plastic bags over their heads and hands zip-tied.
Extensive Manhunt Enters Fifth Week
Decker, a former Army veteran with survival training, remains at large. Law enforcement agencies, K-9 units, volunteers, and the National Guard have been searching for him for over a month.
“Until he is taken into custody—or recovered—we will continue these efforts,” said Ozment.
Governor Jay Inslee activated state emergency resources on June 6, marking this as one of Washington’s largest manhunts in recent history.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
Timeline of Events
- May 26: Decker searches online for how to move to Canada.
- May 30 (5 PM): Picks up daughters from Whitney’s home.
- May 30 (8 PM): Fails to return them; Whitney’s calls go to voicemail.
- May 30 (9:45 PM): Whitney contacts Wenatchee Police.
- June 2 (3:45 PM): Decker’s truck found abandoned at campground.
- June 2 (5 PM): Girls’ bodies discovered.
- June 6: Autopsy confirms suffocation; National Guard joins search.
- June 8: Case handed over to federal authorities.
Where Is Travis Decker?
Decker is 5’8” tall, 190 pounds, and believed to be familiar with remote terrain. Authorities acknowledge he may have died in the wilderness, though they are still operating under the assumption he’s alive.
“Clearly it’s looking more like the probability he’s deceased,” said Chelan County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.
“But with no signs, it’s still possible he’s out there.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the Chelan County tip line at 509-667-6845.
