Cause of death revealed for three young sisters found dead after visiting their homeless father

The three Decker sisters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, who were found dead near a Washington campground after a visit with their homeless father, likely died from asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court.

Their bodies were discovered Monday evening, near their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck at the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee, roughly three hours east of Seattle. AMBER alerts for the girls were canceled late Monday, and police confirmed their deaths the following morning.

Their father, 32-year-old Travis Caleb Decker, is the primary suspect and remains at large. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest on three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. An earlier warrant had already been issued for first-degree custodial interference.

Decker, a military veteran with extensive training, is homeless and had been divorced from the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, for several years. He was known to camp and stay in local hotels with his dog.

According to court documents, Decker picked up his daughters on Friday for a scheduled visit, but failed to return them. His phone went straight to voicemail, prompting their mother to contact police. Surveillance and phone data later placed him in the Leavenworth area before the girls’ disappearance.

Evidence found in and around his truck included two bloody handprints, blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet. The campsite nearby showed signs of recent use.

Decker is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. While it is unclear if he is armed, authorities warn he may pose a significant threat and should not be approached. Anyone with information is urged to call 911.

SWAT teams and federal agencies — including Homeland Security and the US Forest Service  have joined the search.

Just hours before the bodies were found, the girls’ mother issued a plea for their safe return. “I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” Whitney said. “This is an unimaginable situation.”

Whitney, who had sole custody of the children, had agreed to supervised visitation with Decker under a parenting plan that required him to undergo mental health treatment and anger management. Court documents indicate he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but was not compliant with the treatment requirements.


Authorities continue the urgent manhunt for Decker.

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