NEED TO KNOW
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Police have released new images of Travis Decker, the 32-year-old Washington man accused of killing his three young daughters
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Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were last seen during “planned visitation” with their father on May 30, before their bodies were discovered days later
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The new images of Decker, shared by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), give the public a closer look at his tattoos and clothing around the time of his disappearance
Authorities in Washington are continuing their search for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, and have released new images as they ask for the public’s assistance as he remains on the run.
On Saturday, June 7, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released a wanted poster on Facebook that features multiple new photos, and a few previously released images, of the murder suspect, including some that highlight his tattoos and wardrobe.
In the photos, Decker — who has been charged with one count of kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — can be seen with his hair pulled back and tattoos on his arm and ankles.
The poster states that Decker, 32, was last seen wearing a tan or green T-shirt, which he was previously photographed in, with dark shorts.
He is 5’8 with black hair and brown eyes, and the CCSO described him as “dangerous” and said he “may be armed.”
In the office’s June 7 update, the CCSO wrote that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are searching “dozens of structures and the forests” in the area.
“We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants,” the organization’s statement continued, adding that a local road was reopened after authorities found “no credible threat.”
“However, we ask the public remain vigilant as they venture back out to the recreation areas of Chelan County. We have notified the USFS that they can reopen the recreation areas as well,” the CCSO said.
Authorities are encouraging locals to check their doorbell cameras, to contact authorities if they see something helpful to the search and to “not attempt or contact or approach” Decker if they see the suspect.
Per a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, the Independent and NBC Right Now, authorities said they were worried that Decker was attempting to flee the United States after allegedly looking up phrases including “how to relocate to Canada” and “how does a person move to Canada” on May 26.
He also reportedly searched for information tied to a Canadian job site, the outlets said, citing the affidavit.
Decker’s daughters were last seen during “planned visitation” with their father on May 30. The Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) then issued an endangered missing persons alert the next day.
On June 2, authorities canceled the alert and revealed they had discovered the three girls’ remains.
Fox 13 Seattle reported that Decker’s pickup truck was found near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., where the bodies were located.
A preliminary report seen by the outlet lists their believed cause of death as “asphyxiation.” Fox 13 also reported that investigators found a blanket, a wallet, food and car seats for the girls inside Decker’s vehicle, which had two bloody handprints on it.
The suspect “drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping,” court documents obtained by the outlet said.
Police are now offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker’s arrest, according to ABC News.
Arianna Cozart, an attorney who represents the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, told PEOPLE on June 6 that “everybody cares that Travis is found for peace of mind if nothing else.”
Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Decker to call 911 immediately, or call the CCSO at 509-667-6845. A form can also be submitted to a tip line.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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