(NewsNation) — Officials in Washington state have announced that the only DNA found at the scene of the tragic deaths of three sisters, aside from their own, matches that of the suspect, Travis Decker. He is accused of murdering his three daughters.
The findings were made public in a press release issued by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
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This undated photo provided by Whitney Decker shows Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Courtesy of Whitney Decker via AP) -
Three Washington girls who were reported missing last week were found dead, and a search is ongoing for the girls’ father, police announced. (COURTESY) -
Police are searching for Travis Decker after the bodies of his three daughters were found in Washington (Wenatchee Police Department) -
Three Washington girls who were reported missing last week were found dead, and a search is ongoing for the girls’ father, police announced. (NEWSNATION)
“The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office stated.
DNA profiles linking Decker were obtained from plastic bags placed over the heads of his daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker, who were 9, 8, and 5 years old, respectively. A matching DNA profile was also discovered on some cable ties at the crime scene.
The search for Decker began in early June after the discovery of the girls’ bodies near his vehicle close to a campground west of Wenatchee, Washington. The children’s mother reported them missing days earlier when Decker did not bring them back to her home.
In July, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office had already identified Decker’s DNA in blood found on the truck located near where the girls were found. At that time, the undersheriff conveyed that there was no evidence pointing to other suspects.
Manhunt for Travis Decker continues
Decker’s current “whereabouts remain unknown,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office reported. Tuesday’s update revealed no new evidence regarding whether he is dead or alive.
Decker is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 190 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
“Due to safety concerns do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” police warned in June.
Anyone who may have seen Decker or knows his current location is asked to call 911. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
