3 missing sisters found dead in Washington, police searching for father
The girls' father, Travis Decker, is wanted for murder, police said.
Three sisters in Washington state were found dead after being reported missing by their mother, and authorities are searching for the young girls' father, who is wanted for murder, police said.
Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were reported missing by their mother on Friday night, May 30, after leaving their home for a planned visitation for their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, Wenatchee police said.
The girls did not return home, and no one could contact Travis Decker, who is homeless and was living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup, according to the department. Police said officers searched area motels to no avail, and vehicle information indicated that Decker's vehicle had traveled west on Highway 2 from Wenatchee on May 30.
"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," the department initially said Saturday, May 31 about Travis Decker.
Bodies of 3 young girls found near Travis Decker's vehicle
An Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) was issued on Saturday for the girls, according to police. The search for the three girls continued until Monday, June 2, when officers found Travis Decker's vehicle unoccupied around 3:45 p.m. near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County.
Officers searched the area immediately surrounding the vehicle and found the bodies of the three missing girls, police said, adding that their father was nowhere to be found.
Police: 'Do not attempt to contact or approach Decker'
Authorities were still searching for Travis Decker, who is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, police said June 3. He also faces three counts of first-degree custodial interference, according to the department.
It is unknown if Travis Decker, who is a former military member with extensive training, is armed, but he "may pose a significant risk, if approached," according to the department. Anyone who believes they may have seen him on Friday, May 30, and/or knows his current whereabouts should call 911 immediately, police said.
"Due to safety concerns do not attempt to contact or approach Decker," the department said.