A multi-agency manhunt continues as investigators return to Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington, where three young sisters were found dead in June.

According to People, the USDA Forest Service has ordered the closure of the campground through Wednesday, August 27, to allow FBI agents to conduct additional investigations at the location where Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 2, were discovered. The closure affects a four-mile radius surrounding the crime scene in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

The girls' bodies were found on June 2 after their father, Travis Decker, failed to return them following a court-approved custody visit that began on May 30. Their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing when they weren't returned by the court-ordered time of 8 p.m.

Military Training Raises Survival Concerns

Decker, a 32-year-old former military member, possesses extensive tactical training that could enable him to survive in wilderness conditions for extended periods. His military background has complicated the search efforts, as investigators believe he may be utilizing his training to evade capture.

Investigators discovered Decker's wallet, cellphone, and unharmed dog near his abandoned truck at the campground. The location of these items has led authorities to question whether they were intentionally left behind as misdirection.

DNA analysis conducted in August revealed that the only genetic material found at the crime scene belonged to Decker and his three daughters. This finding has further solidified the authorities' focus on Decker as the primary suspect.

Tragic Details of Sisters' Final Moments

Medical examiners determined that all three girls died from asphyxiation, with plastic bags found covering their heads and cable ties scattered nearby. The manner of death was officially ruled a homicide.

The discovery of the sisters' bodies came after an extensive search of the campground area. Their remains were found hidden from immediate view, only located after search teams came upon Decker's abandoned vehicle.

The brutal nature of the crimes has shocked the local community and intensified the urgency of the manhunt. A $20,000 reward has been offered by U.S. Marshals for information leading to Decker's arrest.

Cross-Border Investigation Expands

Authorities believe Decker may have fled to Canada, based on internet searches discovered during their investigation. At least two reported sightings of individuals resembling Decker have been investigated and subsequently dismissed.

The investigation has grown to include multiple agencies, including Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, Washington State Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force. This collaborative effort demonstrates the extensive resources being dedicated to Decker's capture.

The suspect faces three counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping when apprehended. These charges reflect the premeditated nature of the crimes authorities believe he committed.

Why This Story Matters

This case strikes at the heart of parental fears and societal trust in legal custody systems. It shows the limitations of background checks and highlights the need for vigilance from both individuals and institutions. The story also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when suspects have survivalist training and broader escape plans.

Conclusion

Travis Decker, a 32-year-old man with military training, remains missing following the murder of his three young daughters during a May 30 visitation at Rock Island Campground in Washington State. Their bodies were discovered on June 2, sparking an intense multi-agency investigation that continues today.

The FBI has returned to the crime scene this week as part of renewed efforts, along with a closure of the surrounding national forest area. With a $20,000 reward now offered and growing calls for public assistance, authorities hope the renewed search will yield answers in one of the state’s most harrowing recent crimes.