DNA analysis has verified that the former Army soldier accused of killing his three daughters and vanishing into the Pacific Northwest wilderness is the sole suspect in this horrific crime.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office divulged further details about the crime scene where Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker (ages 9, 8, and 5) were discovered dead. Each of the girls had their heads covered with plastic bags — two girls had two bags each, while the third had three. DNA found on the bags was traced back to their father, Travis Decker, or the girls themselves.
One DNA profile was found on cable ties located in the area, and that sample also belonged to Travis Decker.
“The conclusion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence indicating that Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in these homicides,” stated the sheriff’s office.
Previously, autopsies had determined the girls were suffocated by their killer.
The girls’ mother reported them missing on May 29 after Decker failed to return them home following a scheduled visit. Though there were concerns about Decker’s conduct before he disappeared with the children, an Amber alert was not issued. The girls were found dead on June 2 near Decker’s truck, which was parked at a campground. Decker was not present.
Authorities have been on the lookout for him for months, yet his “whereabouts remain unknown,” according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators “do not have any evidence to suggest Travis Decker is either alive or deceased,” the department stated.
The US Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that leads to Decker’s arrest. Police have warned he should be considered armed and dangerous.
