A man in central Washington state is wanted on suspicion of murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead.
Authorities asked the public Tuesday for help finding Travis Decker, 32, who is wanted for three counts of murder and kidnapping, according to police in Wenatchee, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Seattle.
Police said it was unknown whether Decker, a former Army soldier with “extensive training,” was armed.
The girls — ages 9, 8 and 5 — were first reported missing by their mother when Decker did not return them after a planned visit, police said.
Over the weekend authorities looked for the children and for Decker, who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates.
Police said Decker’s unoccupied truck was found Monday near a campground west of the city of Leavenworth, which is about 20 miles (30 kilometers) northwest of Wenatchee. Officers found the girls’ bodies during a search.
Anyone who may have seen Decker since Friday or knows his current location was asked to call 911.
“Due to safety concerns do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” police said.
