Niamh Shackleton
Police have issued a devastating update in the case of three missing girls from Wenatchee.
Five-year-old Olivia, eight-year-old Evelyn and nine-year-old Paityn were picked up by their father Travis Decker last week for a planned visitation.
When Decker failed to return his children to his ex wife Whitney Decker as promised, the concerned mother reported the three girls as missing on Friday (May 30). The family lived in Wenatchee, Washington.
In an extremely sad update, the three sisters have now been found deceased, having been discovered at Illinois' Rock Island Campground around 40 miles away from their home on Monday (June 2).
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While the girls have been located, Decker is still at large and has been charged with first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping.
While Decker wasn't at the scene, his truck was. Inside the vehicle there were personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console, Fox 13 Seattle reports.
Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) have expressed their condolences to the family following the heartbreaking news.
"The [WPD] is saddened to report that the three missing girls have been found deceased," police said in a social media statement. "We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time."
Law enforcement added: "We have been in close communication with the family at each step of the investigation."
Police have urged the public not to approach Decker, 32, if they see him as he poses a 'a significant risk' with his military background in mind. It is unknown if he is armed.
According to his ex wife, Decker has been showing signs that he was struggling with his mental health.
He is believed to currently be unhoused and has been living in his vehicle and various motels or campgrounds.
While urged not to approach Decker, police are appealing to the public in helping them locate him.
He is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Should a member of the community see Decker, they should call 911.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Or, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.