3 young sisters found dead after being reported missing in Washington, police searching for father
Three young sisters in Washington who had not been seen since they left home for a scheduled visitation with their father have been found dead, according to the Wenatchee Police Department.
Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were last seen at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday when they left to be with their father, Travis Decker, on a "planned visitation," police said.
At approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, officials located Decker's vehicle unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, police said in a press release on Tuesday. Additional law enforcement officers responded to the scene and found the bodies of the three girls, but "Decker was not located," police said.
"We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time," police said.
Officials continue to search for Decker, 32, who is homeless and has been living in his vehicle or at various motels or campgrounds in the area, officials said. He is currently wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping. Police said Decker is a former member of the military with "extensive training," but it is unknown whether he is currently armed.
Police said Decker may pose a "significant risk" and should not be approached due to safety concerns.
The Endangered Missing Persons Alert for the three girls was canceled late Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Prior to discovering the girls' bodies, police said visitation had been a part of the family's parenting plan, but Decker went "outside the parameters of it which is not normal and cause for the alarm."
Prior to the news of the sisters' death, their mother, Whitney Decker, said in a statement that she "just wants the girls back home safe and sound" and that she was "concerned" about the safety of her children.
"This is an unimaginable situation. I am pleading for everyone to look out for them," Whitney Decker said in a statement provided to ABC News.
Travis Decker, who is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts, according to police.
Officials said anyone who has any information on Decker or knows of his whereabouts should call 911 immediately.
