Police struggling to find survival expert accused of killing 3 daughters | World | News
Police in the US are still searching for a man who they allege murdered his three young daughters a week ago. Travis Decker, 32, is wanted on kidnapping and first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his children, aged nine, eight and five, according to the Wenatchee Police Department in Washington state.
Officials believe Mr Decker, a former Army soldier, is hiding in a remote area of the state, which is making it harder to find him. He is reported to be an outdoorsman who may have attended mountain survival school during his military training. The public has been warned he could pose “a significant risk” if he is approached. Police have not confirmed a possible motive, according to the BBC.
Police have said Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia appear to have died from suffocation at a remote campsite.
The girls’ mum reported them missing on May 30 after Mr Decker failed to return them to her after a visit. He also didn’t answer her phone calls.
Officers found the girls’ bodies on Monday (June 2) not far from the campsite and Mr Decker’s mobile phone at the campground. His white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup was also located nearby, according to the police.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison urged Mr Decker to turn himself in during a press conference on Wednesday (June 4).
He told reporters: “I don’t think any motive would be acceptable. And clearly it’s not the decision of a sound mind.”
Sheriff Morrison suggested Mr Decker’s outdoor survival skills could be helping him avoid the officers and law enforcement agents trying to find him.
He said it sounded like Mr Decker would go out at times and be off-grid for sometimes up to two and a half months.
The officer claimed Mr Decker may have stowed away provisions in a hiding place before allegedly killing his children.
Sheriff Morrison said Mr Decker has the knowledge to survive for a long time, adding: “We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we’re not going to relinquish our efforts.”
He urged Mr Decker to come forward, saying: “Let’s wrap this up and do what’s right for your kids.”
The US Marshals Service is offering a £14,780 ($20,000) reward for information leading to Mr Decker being found.
Mr Decker joined the Army in 2013 and transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021, Washington Military Department spokesperson Karina Shagren said.
He was a full-time member of the Guard until 2023 or 2024, when he switched to part-time.
Ms Shagren said Mr Decker stopped attending mandatory monthly drills just over a year ago and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge for him.
She said: “This is an absolute tragedy. We are mourning along with the community.”
