Three young sisters who went missing in Washington state have been found dead, and a statewide manhunt is now underway for their father, with police now issuing a plea to the public.
This comes after it emerged that the father was wanted on multiple murder and kidnapping charges.
Discovery in Remote Forest
The girls disappeared on May 30 after leaving for a planned visit with their father, Travis Decker. When they failed to return, their mother alerted authorities around 8PM, raising concerns that something was seriously wrong.
“What prompted her to call us was that … he was late returning the girls and had not communicated to her that he was going to be late, which was his typical fashion and so this was out of the ordinary,” said Capt. Brian Chance, per NBC4 Washington.
Detectives with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office later tracked Decker’s vehicle to a remote area near Leavenworth. A Forest Service deputy discovered the truck and then located the bodies of the three girls roughly 100 yards away. Decker, however, was gone.
Decker Wanted for Murder and Kidnapping
Authorities say Decker, 32, is now wanted on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. A court filing revealed the girls were found with their wrists zip-tied and are believed to have died from asphyxiation.
Decker, a former U.S. Army member who later transferred to the Washington National Guard, has military training and survival skills. He had reportedly stopped attending mandatory drills around a year ago and was in the process of being discharged.
According to the Washington Military Department, “Decker joined the Army in 2013 and transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021.”
Karina Shagren, a spokesperson for the department, said he eventually transitioned from full-time to part-time status between 2023 and 2024 and had since dropped out of mandatory training.
Authorities also noted, “Decker is homeless and lives in his vehicle or various hotels, motels or campgrounds.”
Public Urged to Stay Away
Decker is described as 5'8", 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Law enforcement agencies—including a regional SWAT team, U.S. Border Patrol, and Homeland Security—are involved in the search effort.
Officials issued a clear warning to the public: “Due to safety concerns, do not attempt to contact or approach Decker.”
Community Reacts
All three girls were students at Lincoln Elementary. The Wenatchee School District has confirmed that grief counseling is being provided for classmates and staff.
A detective noted the girls’ mother had reported Decker was “currently experiencing some mental health issues,” and said the situation was deeply unusual for him.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to report any sightings and remain vigilant.