Travis Decker, a Washington father accused of murdering his three daughters – Olivia, 5, Paityn, 9, and Evelyn, 8 – after a custody visit, is seen in newly released police footage from days before the children were found asphyxiated. The footage, obtained by Fox 13, shows Decker, a military-trained survivalist, calmly interacting with police after a minor car accident, contrasting sharply with the brutal tragedy that followed. The incident occurred on May 27, three days before the daughters failed to return home to their mother after a court-mandated custody visitation with Decker.
According to the police report obtained by Fox 13, Decker rear-ended another vehicle that had slowed for traffic, damaging his truck’s front bumper. He was issued an infraction via mail for driving without insurance and following too closely. In the video, Decker appears relaxed, leaning against the back of his truck while speaking with the officer. However, three days later, the father of three was reportedly “quieter than usual,” appearing out of character as he met his daughters for the planned visitation, according to the local outlet.
Days after Decker’s ex-wife reported the three girls missing on the evening they were supposed to return home from their visit, the children were found asphyxiated to death in a local camping ground just feet away from Decker’s abandoned truck. Authorities from local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, launched an extensive manhunt for Decker, who is described as a military-trained survivalist. On July 5, a tip led authorities to a possible sighting in the Bear Creek area of Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, but it was later confirmed to be false.
Officials have warned that Decker should be considered armed and dangerous, but insist there is no reason to believe he poses a threat to the public. He is currently charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to Decker’s arrest. The case has sparked widespread public concern and has drawn national attention, with authorities continuing their search for the alleged killer.