Crime scene DNA believed to belong to Decker

CHELAN COUNTY — Blood found at the scene of the Decker sisters’ triple homicide has been matched to their father and suspected murderer, Travis Decker, according to investigators.

Authorities are continuing to search throughout Chelan and Kittitas Counties for Decker, who is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in connection with the deaths of his daughters: Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. Their bodies were found near Rock Island Campground on June 2. 

According to a July 1 update from Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), DNA from personal items that were believed to belong to Decker matched the blood found from the tailgate of his truck at the scene.

“We know, positively, that all of the DNA samples recovered belong to the same, male, subject, who we believe is Mr. Decker. With this evidence, along with the other evidentiary items found at the scene, we do not have any reason to believe there are any other suspects,” CCSO wrote in the update.

CCSO, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue (CCVSAR), the U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Marshals Service are continuing coordinated search efforts throughout the area. The National Park Service is planning to send a swift water search and rescue team to conduct more searches of the bodies of water surrounding the crime scene.

Last week, Kittitas County teams searched the Crystal Creek Drainage from the Enchantments out through Ingalls Creek. They, along with CCSO personnel and a human remains detection dog also searched the Ingalls drainage.

Several K9s with different disciplines continue to be utilized as well as CCSO Drone Teams, which have been flying search patterns over land and water. Last Saturday, 25 CCVSAR volunteers conducted a search of the crime scene area.

“At this time we do not have any evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased. Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the continued leadership, dedication, and support from all of our search teams,” CCSO wrote.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Anyone with information about Decker or his whereabouts should contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him. If you see or believe you have seen Decker, call 911 immediately.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media