DNA analysis confirms Travis Decker is sole suspect in triple homicide

CHELAN COUNTY — Further DNA analysis has confirmed that Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in the homicide of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker

The bodies of the three sisters were found near the Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek on June 2. The search for the girls was prompted when they did not return from a parental visitation with Decker on May 30. 

According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), plastic bags used in the murders and cable ties on the ground were collected from the crime scene by the Washington State Patrol Crime Response Team. CCSO detectives submitted this evidence to the Washington State Crime Lab for DNA analysis. In the meantime, autopsies confirmed in June that the cause of death for each victim was suffocation, and the manner of death was homicide.

On Aug. 6, the Washington State Crime Lab reported DNA profiles matching Travis Decker were found on the plastic bags, as well as DNA profiles for the three victims. No other DNA profiles were obtained. Only one DNA profile was obtained from the cable ties, which matched Decker’s profile.

Decker’s whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities do not have evidence to suggest he is either alive or deceased. While the search has scaled back significantly since early June, CCSO said it was continuing to communicate with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to coordinate continued search efforts.

Sightings of Decker should be reported to 911 immediately. Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him.

The United States Marshals Service is still 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.

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