A Washington community is reeling after a weekend visit turned into a nightmare for one family. Travis Decker and his three young daughters became the focus of a statewide manhunt that has left parents and authorities shaken.

According to Fox News, Decker, 32, is now wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping after his daughters, aged nine, eight, and five, were found dead near his abandoned pickup truck. The tragic series of events began Friday after their mother reported they hadn’t returned from a planned visit.

Law enforcement officials say the girls’ bodies were discovered Monday close to a campground near Leavenworth, not far from the white 2017 GMC Sierra Decker was believed to be living out of. The girls’ wrists were zip-tied, and police believe they died from asphyxiation, intensifying the hunt for Decker, a former Army soldier described as having “extensive training.”

Authorities urge public help

Wenatchee Police and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office have appealed to the public for information on Decker’s whereabouts. With the U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force now involved, officials have announced a reward of up to $20,000 for tips leading to his arrest. The urgency stems from both the brutality of the crime and Decker’s background, which authorities say makes him particularly dangerous despite reports that he is not known to be armed at this time.

The girls’ mother told police she became alarmed when Decker failed to return with the children by 8 p.m. Friday. His phone went straight to voicemail, which, according to court documents, was out of character. “What prompted her to call us was that ... he was late returning the girls and had not communicated to her that he was going to be late, which was his typical fashion and so this was out of the ordinary,” Wenatchee Police Capt. Brian Chance explained.

Court documents cited by Fox 13 Seattle reveal that Decker’s ex-wife had become increasingly concerned due to his mental health issues. She reported that Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and suspected he was not taking his medication. She described his demeanor as “quieter than usual” when he picked up the girls and said he’d referenced getting rid of his dog due to financial and housing problems.

Community mourns, schools respond

The Wenatchee School District has responded to the tragedy with grief counseling and support services for students and staff. Superintendent Kory Kalahar called the deaths “tragic,” emphasizing the impact on Lincoln Elementary School, which the three girls attended. “Our immediate and utmost priority is the well-being of the Lincoln Elementary community. We are focusing all our efforts on providing comprehensive support to their students, staff, and families during this unimaginable time,” Kalahar stated.

Over the weekend, authorities launched a search for the children and their father, using tips and potential sightings to track Decker’s movements. Investigators believe he was living out of his truck, which was eventually found abandoned. The area surrounding the vehicle became the focus of the search, leading deputies to discover the girls’ bodies in close proximity.

As details emerged, the public response was swift and emotional. Parents, educators, and neighbors have expressed shock and devastation at the loss of three young lives. The community has rallied to support the family and assist law enforcement in the ongoing manhunt for Decker.

Police urge caution, suspect considered dangerous

Wenatchee Police Department officials have repeatedly warned the public not to approach Decker if spotted. “Due to safety concerns do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” authorities have emphasized. The manhunt has expanded throughout the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and beyond, with multiple agencies tracking credible information and leads.

Sheriff Mike Morrison, speaking directly to Decker at a press conference, pleaded for him to surrender:

Travis, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in. Do the right thing, do what you need to do. And take accountability for your actions. We're not gonna go away, we're not going to rest, and we're gonna make sure we find you.

Despite the intensity of the search, Decker has so far evaded capture. His military training and experience have heightened concerns among law enforcement that he could remain hidden or pose a threat if confronted.

Investigators continue to process evidence from the scene, including the abandoned truck and the area where the girls were found. The possibility of additional charges or revelations remains as authorities piece together the timeline and motive behind the killings.

Manhunt intensifies after shocking deaths

Travis Decker, a former Army soldier from Washington, is wanted for the murder and kidnapping of his three daughters after their bodies were found near his abandoned truck west of Leavenworth. The girls’ mother alerted police after Decker failed to return them from a planned visit, and a multi-agency manhunt has since unfolded across the region.

Authorities believe Decker, who has a history of mental health struggles, is dangerous and has offered a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest. The community, reeling from the tragedy, continues to support the affected family and remains vigilant as law enforcement pursues every possible lead to bring the suspect to justice.