DNA on plastic bags found on 3 girls belonged to dad
The search continues for Travis Decker, a Washington state man accused of murdering his three young daughters during a scheduled visitation in late May. On Monday, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released new details about the disturbing crime scene and confirmed DNA evidence linking Decker to the murders.
Decker, 32, was last seen on May 30 after picking up his daughters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — for a court-approved visit. When he failed to return them, authorities launched a search. The girls were found dead on June 2. All three had been suffocated, with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists restrained with zip ties.
According to the sheriff’s office, new DNA test results confirmed Decker’s presence at the scene. Samples taken from the plastic bags matched Decker and the victims. Zip ties found at the scene also yielded a DNA profile matching Decker. In a statement, police said the findings “provide additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides.”
Investigators also previously reported that blood from a handprint found on a nearby truck matched Decker’s DNA.
Despite the new forensic evidence, authorities say they have made little progress in locating Decker, who remains on the run. As of a July 25 update, investigators noted a “decrease in leads and tips,” which has led to a scaled-back law enforcement presence in the area.
Decker is now facing three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping.
Authorities urge anyone who sees Travis Decker not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. Tips can also be directed to the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submitted via USMS Tips.
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