‘Can't and won't quit': Manhunt for Washington dad accused of killing 3 daughters now in 4th week
[Attached video: New video released amid manhunt for man accused of killing daughters]
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. (WJW) — Authorities in Washington state said they are not giving up their search for a father accused of killing his three young daughters then 'disappearing to the forest.'
The manhunt for Travis Decker has now entered its fourth week. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office shared an update Monday about their search efforts and the urgency to find the 32-year-old man.
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'At this time, there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area,' a news release posted to the sheriff's office Facebook page said. 'Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching. Still, we can't and won't quit this search; Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice. And Decker remains a danger to the public as long as he's at large.'
Detectives have investigated 'dozens and dozens and dozens' of tips including potential sightings, according to authorities. They've also employed the use of extra patrols and have spent days and nights in remote terrain following up on credible leads.
'Some search resources are being redirected to find and recover Decker if he died in the rugged wilderness during this intense search—a possibility that increases every day,' the release said.
The sheriff's office pleaded with the community to continue sending in tips, saying public awareness and help is the best tool in the intense search.
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Decker is charged with murder in the deaths of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker.
He's been missing since May 30 after authorities said he never returned the girls to their mother's home following a parental visit.
The girls' bodies were found June 2 near a campsite where Decker's truck was also found. An autopsy revealed the girls died from suffocation.
Last week their mother spoke publicly for the first time during a memorial service honoring the Decker sisters.
According to KING 5 Seattle and KOMO News, Whitney Decker talked about her daughters' unique personalities and how they all connected through their ability to express their feelings, a nightly tradition that became known as 'the three feelings.'
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'I'm so thankful for the time that I had with the girls. And how the three feelings allowed us to connect when the world slowed down. And it really gave me an inside look into their day. I believe doing this with them allowed them to come into the world with open hearts and kindness,' Whitney Decker said, according to KOMO News.
KING 5 Seattle reported that hundred of community members attended the memorial service which included speeches and performances.
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