On Wednesday, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office posted video and photos of Travis Decker, a Washington man wanted for allegedly killing his three daughters, as a reward was announced for his capture.
According to the sheriff’s office, the images were from the days leading up to his planned visitation with his daughters on May 30.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police found the bodies of Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, on June 2, at 3:45 p.m. The children were found after police located their father’s vehicle near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, according to a Wenatchee Police Department release on June 3.
Fox 13 Seattle reports that a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court suggested the girls probably died from asphyxiation.
“We have obtained recent video footage and pictures of Mr. Decker, which are attached to this release,” the sheriff’s office said.
“However, these videos and photos are from the days leading up to his visitation began with the girls. These are the most recent photos and videos we have that reveal his last known appearance.”
Doorcam footage captured Decker approaching a house while wearing sunglasses and a light T-shirt.
“New information has revealed Mr. Decker is well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment. Although this can be a challenge while searching for him, our personnel are well equipped and prepared to seek and apprehend him,” the release stated.
According to FOX News Digital, an investigator said that the children’s mother, Whitney Decker, expressed concern for her daughters when they didn’t return home by 8 p.m. on May 30, after being picked up by Decker around 5 p.m. for a planned visitation.
The police department stated that Decker was “homeless and living in his vehicle, or at various hotels, motels, or campgrounds in the area.”
“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.
Decker and the children’s mother divorced several years ago, and had a parenting plan allowing him to see the girls during specific hours every other weekend.
Court documents stated that Decker’s ex-wife claimed he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but likely didn’t take medication for it. The parenting plan required him to seek mental health help, along with anger management counseling, but he reportedly refused.
Over the weekend, police began searching for the children and Decker, believed to be in a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates. On Monday, officers located Decker’s truck near the campground. The children’s bodies and “bloody handprints” were located at the site, along with zip ties.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Facebook]
