NCW News
Ward Media
WENATCHEE — Law enforcement officials provided new details Tuesday evening in the case of three young sisters found dead near Icicle Road, outlining the multi-day investigation and search that led to the discovery and ongoing manhunt for their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker.
In a press conference held at the Wenatchee Police Department, Capt. Brian Chance and Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison walked through the timeline of events, beginning with the initial report made by the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, on the evening of May 30, when Travis failed to return the children after a scheduled visitation.
Wenatchee police attempted to locate Decker through hotel and campground checks, surveillance systems, and vehicle tracking, but were unsuccessful. An Amber Alert was not issued because the case did not initially meet the criteria. Instead, a statewide endangered person alert was activated May 31. Arrest warrants for first-degree custodial interference were filed June 1.
The search ended in tragedy on June 2 when a Chelan County sheriff’s deputy discovered Decker’s abandoned truck about 17 miles up Icicle Road near the Rock Island campground. The bodies of 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia were found nearby. Decker was not at the scene.
“He could be anywhere in the nation,” said Sheriff Mike Morrison. “But we will not rest until Travis is located and brought to justice.”
Decker is now wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Authorities say Decker may be armed and is considered dangerous. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Search operations have expanded throughout the Icicle Gorge and Chatter Creek areas with support from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, and Washington State Patrol. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the backcountry trail systems while the search continues.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or submit tips through the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
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