In LEAVENWORTH, Washington, a pressing search is underway for a former soldier after tragic events unfolded at a campsite last week. Blood found at the scene where three young sisters were discovered deceased has been identified as belonging to a male, authorities confirmed. The investigation focuses on locating Travis Caleb Decker, 32, a skilled outdoorsman, following his failure to return the girls to their mother in Wenatchee following a scheduled visit on May 30.
The girls, Paityn Decker, aged 9, Evelyn Decker, aged 8, and Olivia Decker, aged 5, were tragically found at a remote campsite in the Cascade Mountains, west of Leavenworth, a challenging locality near the Pacific Crest Trail. This location spans between the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. Authorities apprehended the situation when a sheriff’s deputy discovered the bodies down an embankment.
Decker is facing charges of murder and kidnapping, with his vehicle being essential evidence showing two bloody handprints detected on its tailgate. New revelations from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office specified that the male blood sample found at the site could be a significant lead. Another sample at the location was from an animal. DNA and fingerprint analyses remain in process to further this aspect of the investigation. Decker’s dog, located alive at the campsite, is now under the care of the humane society.
The investigation retains urgency, with federal authorities now spearheading the search initiatives. This decision was made to allow local sheriff personnel necessary recuperation time. The search spans challenging terrains covering extensive mountain areas by land, water, and air. Decker has also been federally charged with fleeing to avoid prosecution. His background as outlined in court documents depicts his adeptness in outdoor survival and evasion tactics – having lived off the grid for months and contemplating a move to Canada.
With his Army background from March 2013 to July 2021 including a role in the 75th Ranger Regiment, his familiarity with such environments enhances the difficulty of the search efforts. Decker’s mental health had been under scrutiny as expressed in legal documents by his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, citing his housing instability and increasing erratic behavior post the deterioration of their marital ties.
The autopsy concluded that the girls’ deaths resulted from suffocation, with macabre findings of zip ties and plastic bags involved. In light of the discoveries, previously closed popular recreational spaces near the incident site have reopened for public access, although some trails maintain restrictions on camping activities.