The cause of death for three sisters who were tragically found dead at a campsite has been revealed by the authorities.
Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were last seen during a scheduled visit with their father, and just days later, all three were found dead, per PEOPLE.
The discovery was made on Monday, June 2, and now a manhunt is intensifying for their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is wanted in connection with the triple homicide.
The Wenatchee Police Department confirmed that the three girls were found dead after investigators located Decker’s white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County.
Decker, however, was not at the scene.
The situation escalated dramatically with authorities now charging Decker with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping. He was previously facing custodial interference charges.
“It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed, but he may pose a significant risk, if approached,” police said, also confirming that he has prior military experience.
The grisly details surrounding the discovery paint a picture of calculated movements and a chilling scene.
Fox 13 Seattle reported that Decker’s vehicle was found with “two bloody handprints” near the location where the girls’ bodies were discovered.
Inside the truck, investigators found various personal items, including “blankets, food, car seats and a wallet ‘on the center console.’”
Not far from the vehicle, a “tent and cooler” were located, suggesting signs of recent camping activity.
Court documents also revealed new insights into Decker’s movements prior to the tragedy. According to Fox 13 Seattle, Decker’s cell phone data showed that “he drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping.”
According to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court and cited by Fox 13 Seattle, the sisters most likely died by asphyxiation.
The three sisters were first reported missing on May 30 after they failed to return from a scheduled visitation with their father. While the visitation was legally part of a parenting plan, authorities became concerned when Decker violated the agreed-upon terms.
“The visitation was part of a parenting plan, but he has since gone outside the parameters of it, which is not normal and cause for the alarm,” police said at the time.
Compounding the situation was the fact that Decker was reported to be homeless, reportedly living out of his vehicle, at hotels, or in campgrounds around the area.
On May 31, Washington State Patrol issued an endangered missing person alert for Decker and the three girls, labeling them “at-risk/missing.” A photo of Decker’s truck was also circulated as authorities launched a widespread search.
Sadly, that alert was canceled on June 2 after the girls’ bodies were discovered.
As investigators continue their search for Decker, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the girls’ grieving mother, Whitney Decker. Organized by family friend Amy Edwards, the page offers both financial and emotional support.
“We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed … the pain of this loss is immeasurable,” Edwards wrote.
“I’ve known Whitney for years, we’re both dance moms and theater friends [and I’ve] had the privilege of teaching Whitney’s girls.”
The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses, time off work, and to provide Whitney the space she needs to heal.
So far, over $357,000 has been raised with a goal of $380,000.
