Just over a week after three Washington girls were reported missing and later found dead, their suspected killer − their father − is still on the run.
The girls, 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn Decker, were visiting their dad, Travis Decker, 32, when they were last seen around 5 p.m. on May 30, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.
At the time of the visit, Decker was living out of his vehicle, police said, later adding that investigators secured a warrant for Decker’s arrest for three counts of custodial interference.
The girls were found dead near a campground on June 2, three days after they were last seen alive. Decker is now wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interference.
On Friday, June 6, authorities from the Wenatchee Police Department and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released new images of the girls’ father.
Here’s everything we know about the case as the manhunt for Decker continues.
What happened to Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn?
According to Wenatchee police, Decker was living out of his 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck with license plates D20165C in Wenatchee, about 148 miles east of Seattle.
The girls’ mother called for help around 9:45 p.m. on May 30 and said her children were at a planned visit with their father. He never returned the girls, so she called for help.
Wenatchee police said they “immediately began working” to find Decker and the girls and entered Decker’s vehicle into a local flock database, which showed that the vehicle traveled westbound on a highway from Wenatchee on May 30. Police said they also checked all motels in the area and found nothing.
According to police, someone contacted Washington State Patrol that same night to request an AMBER alert, but the case “did not meet the required criteria.” The next day, Wenatchee police contacted the Washington State Police again with more information and an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued.
USA TODAY has contacted the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol for comments.
By June 2, three days after the girls were last seen, authorities had narrowed down their search to an area between two roads in Washington. Investigators found Decker’s vehicle around 3:45 p.m. on June 2 near a campground.
There was no one in the vehicle, but when investigators searched the surrounding area, they found the bodies of the three girls. Their father was not found that day.
Upon learning more about how the case was handled, some social media users took to the comments to call out authorities for their lack of urgency in finding the girls.
“Following this story, you failed this family,” wrote one Facebook user. “You didn’t act immediately and because of that this mom has lost her girls forever. I hope everyone of you that told her that more time had to pass before action could be (taken) lose sleep over this.”
Where have authorities searched for Travis Decker?
The U.S. Forest Service overseeing the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest issued a forest closure on June 4 for the area where the girls were found. They rescinded the closure on June 8.
“Authorities are searching for a murder suspect and we encourage everyone to remain alert,” the service said. “If you must be in the vicinity, please stay aware of your surroundings and follow any official guidance from Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.”
Searches have spanned forested areas, the river, and many structures in the area Decker was last known to be in, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said.
Washington governor Bob Ferguson announced on June 7 that emergency funds would be used to help with the search for Decker.
“As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia’s mom, Whitney, and all those who love them,” the governor said.
Fugitive father is skilled in surviving outdoors, former military
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is working with the U.S. Marshals PNVOTF to find Decker, the office said, adding that a reward of up to $20,000 is available for information leading to his arrest.
“The suspect is not known to be armed at this time, but should be considered dangerous,” the sheriff’s office said on June 3.
The office added on June 4 that Decker previously served in the military and has had “extensive training.” He is also “well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment.”
The office also released video footage and photos captured days before his visitation with the girls. Investigators released the images so the public can see what he looked like most recently.
Decker is 5-feet-8, weighs 190 pounds, has black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts, police said.
The department asked that anyone who sees Decker call 911. Those who see him should not contact or approach him.
Those with information can contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (509) 667-6845 or submit your information at www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Decker manhunt update: Dad still on the run after girls’ deaths
