DNA Evidence Confirms Travis Decker as Sole Suspect in Daughters’ Killings

CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - New forensic results released Tuesday show DNA from Travis Decker on the plastic bags and cable ties used to suffocate his three daughters. This confirms he is the only suspect in the June deaths of Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5.

According to a press release from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Crime Lab wrapped up its analysis on Aug. 6. They linked Decker’s DNA profile to evidence found at the Rock Island Campground crime scene. Investigators found no other DNA profiles on the plastic bags over the children’s heads or the cable ties nearby. They also found no DNA on the bloody fingerprint taken from Decker’s abandoned pickup truck.

The bodies of the three girls were found on June 2 by Icicle Creek. They were not returned to their mother after a scheduled visit on May 30. Autopsies found that all three victims suffocated. Their deaths were ruled homicides.

Sheriff Mike Morrison said the DNA results add to the evidence that Travis Decker is the only suspect in these homicides. Still, they don’t know where Decker is. ““We have no evidence to say if Travis Decker is alive or dead,” said the sheriff’s office.

The manhunt involves local, state, and federal agencies, like the U.S. Marshals Service. They found Decker’s white pickup truck near Rock Island Campground on June 2. His military training in wilderness survival is complicating the search efforts. Drones, swift-water teams, cadaver dogs, and GoPro cameras have searched hard in remote areas. However, no confirmed sightings have come in.

Authorities warn that Decker, a former Army soldier, is armed and dangerous. He is known for his survival skills. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading directly to his arrest. If you have tips, please call the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102. You can also share information online at usmarshals.gov/tips.