Search continues for the father of 3 girls found dead near Leavenworth

Authorities are continuing the search for Travis Decker. An arrest warrant has been issued for him. His three daughters were found dead Monday near a campsite near Leavenworth following a multi-day search for the girls. Decker is now charged with their murders and kidnapping in Chelan County. 

Authorities say he should be considered dangerous. Multiple agencies, including the Wenatchee Police Department, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are involved with the investigation.

The U.S. Marshals Service has also offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Tips can be directed to the Chelan County Sheriff’s tip line. The office can also be reached by calling 509-667-6854.

Five-year-old Olivia Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 9-year-old Paityn Decker were not returned to their mother Friday following a scheduled custody visit with their father, according to an affidavit released by Chelan County Superior Court.  Their mother, Whitney Decker, contacted police that night when her ex-husband, Travis Decker, failed to return the girls.

She told police that he failed to respond to repeated phone calls and that his phone went straight to voicemail. She said he had never previously failed to return the children after visitations and said she had growing concerns due to the state of his mental health, according to the affidavit.

Decker’s visitation rights were limited to specific hours. These visits were to occur only within the Wenatchee Valley. According to the affidavit, Travis Decker was reportedly homeless and was known to stay in motels or campgrounds.

The Wenatchee Police Department contacted Washington State Patrol (WSP) to request to issue an Amber Alert. WSP initially determined the case did not meet the threshold for an Amber Alert because there was “no current evidence to believe the children were at risk of serious bodily injury or death.”

Instead, WSP sent an endangered missing persons advisory Saturday.

Officers located the girls’ bodies Monday afternoon, close to an abandoned campsite and Travis Decker’s truck in the area of Rock Island Campground off Icicle Road, west of Leavenworth. The girls’ death is believed to have been caused by asphyxiation. Travis Decker has yet to be located.

According to law enforcement, Travis Decker is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark shorts.