The three young sisters allegedly killed by their homeless father in Washington likely died from asphyxiation.
The Decker sisters’ — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — cause of death was revealed in a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, according to a Fox 13 report published Tuesday.
The girls’ bodies were found at around 5 p.m. Monday, close to their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck near the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee — about three hours east of Seattle.
AMBER alerts for the sisters were canceled late Monday before police confirmed the girls’ deaths Tuesday morning.
Law enforcement continues the hunt for their dad and suspected killer, Travis Decker, who’s wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
After Decker, 32, picked up the girls from their home on Friday, their mother, Whitney Decker, said calls to his phone went straight to voicemail after he was scheduled to return them. She immediately contacted the Wenatchee Police Department, concerned for their safety.
His truck was seen later that weekend in the west end of Leavenworth, triggering a police search in the wooded areas around the town.
Hours before the bodies were found, a warrant was issued for Decker’s arrest on three counts of first-degree custodial interference before the murder and kidnapping charges were added.
Decker — a military veteran with extensive training — is homeless and has been divorced from his children’s mother for several years.
He was known to stay at campgrounds and hotels in the local area with his dog.
Decker’s cell phone activity revealed he drove to and left the campground a day before kidnapping his daughters, court documents obtained by Fox 13 show.
The alleged killer’s truck was found with two bloody handprints. Blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet were also found in his vehicle.
The campsite near the truck showed signs it had been recently used when police found it, according to the documents.
After the grim finding of the sister’s bodies, SWAT teams and federal agencies — including Homeland Security and the US Forest Service — descended on the area and began the search for Decker.
He is described as 5-foot-8 tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Although it is unknown whether Decker is currently armed, he may pose a significant threat if approached, authorities said.
Anyone who believes they may have seen Decker since Friday or knows his current whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. The public is advised not to attempt to contact or approach Decker.
The girls’ mother issued a distressing appeal for her daughters’ safe return just hours before their bodies were found.
“I just want the girls back home safe and sound — that is the most important thing to me,” she said in the emailed statement sent to NCWLIFE.
“I am concerned about the safety and wellbeing of my girls and their dad. This is an unimaginable situation. I am pleading for everyone to look out for them,” she said in the emailed statement sent to NCWLIFE.
Whitney, who had sole custody of the children, had put together a parenting plan with her ex-husband after years of being divorced.
Decker was granted time to see his kids during specific hours every other weekend in the Wenatchee Valley area.
However, he was allegedly “quieter than usual” when he picked up his daughter on Friday — something that is seen as “out of character” for how he usually acts, according to court documents obtained by Fox 13.
The suspected murderer also allegedly discussed the possibility of giving up his dog due to his housing and financial struggles.
Whitney claimed that Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, according to the documents.
She suspected her ex-husband had not been taking medication for his condition, even though under the agreement they had for him to see his children, he was supposed to seek mental health treatments and anger management counseling.
Documents claim he had not followed through with treatment.
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