A FATHER accused of murdering his three daughters is still on the run as the hunt for him continues months after his daughters’ deaths.
Travis Decker, 32, is the sole suspect in the murders of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5.
The three girls’ bodies were found on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground after they were first reported missing on May 30.
The medical examiner found that each of the young children had died by suffocation.
Travis Decker’s official whereabouts are still unknown, despite possible sightings of him in Canada, as reported by KIRO.
Prior to the tragic deaths of his daughters, evidence revealed that Decker had searched online for information on “how to move to Canada,” “relocating to Canada,” and “employment opportunities in Canada,” as reported by ABC affiliate KOMO.
Authorities have announced that, as part of the ongoing investigation, the Rock Island Campground, Chatter Creek Campground, Blackpine Horsecamp, Jack Pine Trail, and Icicle Gorge trails will be closed from Sunday, August 24, through Tuesday, August 26.
The FBI, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and US Marshals have appealed to the public for assistance in locating the suspected killer following the discovery of new DNA evidence earlier this month.
On August 19, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office in Washington State released more information about the connection between Decker and the murders.
He is charged with three counts of murder and kidnapping.
“At that time, each victim was found with plastic bags over their head,” the office reported.
“Two of the victims each had two separate bags over their heads and the third victim had three separate bags over their head.
“In addition, several cable ties were located on the ground in the immediate area of the bodies.”
The sheriff’s office went on to say that the cable ties and plastic bags were tested for DNA analysis.
According to a report from the Washington State Crime Lab on August 6, 2025, the DNA profiles matching Travis Decker’s were discovered on the plastic bags that had been used to cover each daughter’s head,” reads the statement.
“DNA profiles matching Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker were also located on the plastic bags.”
Timeline of the missing Decker girls
Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead at a campground after they were last seen on a custody visit to their dad.
Below is a timeline of events:
May 29: Cell phone activity shows that the girls’ dad, Travis Decker, drove to the Rock Island Campground and left.
May 30: 5 pm – Travis Decker picks the three girls up from their mom, Whitney Decker.
8 pm – Travis Decker is supposed to return the girls but doesn’t. Whitney Decker calls him and it goes to voicemail.
9:45 pm – Whitney Decker calls the Wenatchee Police Department to report her daughters missing.
Travis Decker’s truck is seen driving westbound on Highway 2.
Washington State Patrol is contacted for an Amber Alert but said the situation didn’t match their criteria.
May 31 : WPD issues an Endangered Missing Persons Alert.
June 2: 3:45 pm – Travis Decker’s truck is found empty at Rock Island Campground with two bloody handprints and items inside.
5 pm – Cops search the area and find the bodies of the three girls.
June 3: 9:30 am – Cops notify the public that they are still searching for Decker.
2 pm – WPD tells the public that the three girls were found dead and that Travis Decker is still on the loose.
June 8: Federal authorities take over search efforts.
June 9: Autopsy results confirm three girls were murdered by suffocation.
June 13: An affidavit revealed Whitney described Travis as having “recent mental health concerns.”
“She provided the examples of randomly leaving or waking her up by screaming at her in the middle of the night,” it read.
She also mentioned that towards the end of their marriage, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and she believes he is currently not managing it with medication.
June 17: New audio of Travis in court fighting for custody of his daughters is released.
“I understand that my current position when I’m by myself isn’t ideal, but my daughters aren’t a part of that,” he said in September 2024.
“I only get to see them over the weekends and camping is something that the four of us have done since the three of them were in diapers.”
June 20: Memorial is held where Whitney speaks publicly about girls for first time.
July 5: A family spotted a man believed to be Travis Decker in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho.
July 9: The US Marshals ceased their search in Sawtooth National Forest after identifying and questioning a man they thought to be Travis Decker, only to confirm it was not him.
The office reported that no other DNA was found on the bags and the DNA profile found on the cable ties also matched Travis Decker.
“The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides,” the office wrote.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said it’s up to the people to help find Decker.
“It’s, again, attentive citizens up there in Canada, which we appreciate, being aware of this case and keeping an eye out on the story and information on a possible suspect,” Chelan Morrison told KIRO.
“We’re following up where we can, and we appreciate those agencies that are willing to help us out, and in doing that, just based off the geographical spread at times that we have for follow-up on these tips.”
Morrison said that he feels sure that they’re “on the right path” and that there is no other suspect in his mind than Decker.
“All of our work points to one person, and there is nothing that has come up so far that is showing anyone else was there, anyone else was on scene.”
Morrison is still unsure whether Decker is dead or alive, but the US Marshals Service is offering $20,000 to anyone who has information that leads them directly to Decker.
The sheriff told the radio station that he hasn’t given up hope yet, and justice will be served.
“I can make it very clear, we have not given up, we will not give up, and we’ll continue to pursue and do what we can to follow up on leads where appropriate and ensure that we did the best work possible to bring closure of this and be a strong voice for Paityn, Evelyn, Olivia, and hopefully bring some closure for the family as well when the time comes,” Morrison said.
Anyone who sees Travis Decker is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately and should bear in mind that he may be armed and dangerous.
