Tragic cause of death of three sisters found dead at campsite after vanishing with ‘killer’ father

Authorities in Washington have determined exactly how a homeless father-of-three killed his young daughters as the search for the suspect continues.

Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, appeared to have died of asphyxiation, according to a report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court that was obtained by Fox 13. 

The three sisters had vanished after a three-hour visit with their father Travis Decker, sparking a days-long manhunt before their bodies were located on Monday. 

Police had swarmed around Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, blocking traffic and sending drivers in the other direction after they found the father’s truck at around 3.45pm on Monday. 

The bodies were found just about 75 to 100 yards from the truck, which had two bloody handprints on the tailgate, the Seattle Times reports. 

Inside were personal items including blankets, food, car seats and a center console.

The campground also showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and a cooler located a short distance away, according to Fox 13. 

Decker, 32, is now charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, and police say the veteran could ‘pose a significant risk if approached’ as he has extensive combat training. It is unclear if he is armed. 

Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, were found dead on Monday after police swarmed around Rock Island Campground

Their father, Travis Decker – who they were last seen with – is at large as police continue their hunt

Authorities found Decker’s truck around 3:45pm near Rock Island Campground off Icicle Road. While searching the area, the girls’ bodies were found, but Decker was nowhere to be seen.

He does not have permanent housing and is known to stay at hotels and campgrounds, police said. 

His ex-wife, the girls’ mother, had been particularly worried because he has ‘really struggled since he left the military.’ 

‘His mental health can be hard sometimes,’ Whitney told KIRO 7. 

She also told law enforcement officials that Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which she believes he did not take medication for, according to court documents.

The father-of-three was supposed to seek mental health treatments and anger management counseling as part of a parenting plan, but there has been no sign he has followed through with the plan – which he refused to sign, the court documents say.  

Then, when Decker picked up the girls for a scheduled three-hour visit on Friday, he was said to be ‘quieter than usual’ which was ‘out of character’ for him.

He had also allegedly been talking about getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles.  

When Decker failed to return with the girls that night, their mother, Whitney, reported them missing.

Calls to schedule the girls’ return went straight to voicemail, Whitney said.

Decker is now charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping

Authorities found Decker’s truck around 3:45pm near Rock Island Campground. While searching the area, the girls’ bodies were found

The Washington State Patrol was also contacted about issuing an AMBER Alert, but none was given as it did not meet criteria, Wenatchee Police Department said. 

The Endangered and Missing Persons Alert (EMPA) was issued on Saturday after ‘additional information’ was provided, the police department said. 

The Wenatchee Police Department has since offered their ‘sincere and deep heartfelt condolences,’ to the family. 

Law enforcement is now asking the public for help in finding Decker, but advised locals not to approach him. 

Travis Decker is described as 5’8″ and 190 pounds, with black hair worn in a ponytail and brown eyes. 

The girls were last seen alive at their mother’s house, where Decker picked them up for a scheduled three-hour visit. His ex-wife had been particularly worried because he has ‘really struggled since he left the military.’ ‘His mental health can be hard sometimes,’ she said 

The girls’ mother, Whitney, reported the girls missing at 9:45pm on Friday and police began working to determine where the father and the children were

Law enforcement is asking the public for help to find the father-of-three, but advised locals not to approach him

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was started for the mother-of-three, raising over $251,000 by Tuesday night.

‘These girls were true light in this world and and it is a darker place without them. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces,’ the fundraiser read. 

‘Send Whitney all of your prayers, love and support. Take some time to today to tell someone you love them.’  

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