Travis Decker: Police close in on dad accused of murdering young daughters

Police say they are closing in on a man wanted over the gruesome murders of his three young daughters.

And, in a direct message to Travis Decker, who is on the run in Washington State forest, they told him he is just one mistake away from being caught.

Mr Decker collected daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, for a custody visit but failed to return them at an agreed time on May 30. Three days later they were found dead at a campground with plastic bags on their heads and zip ties around their wrists.

It is believed the girls died of asphyxiation.

“Every single day that Travis is out there he is going to have to aim for perfection, he is not going to be able to make a mistake because all we need is one mistake and one day to go in our favour, and he’s going to be in our custody. So I hope he’s watching and I hope he knows we haven’t given up,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said.

“You have to be perfect every single day, Travis, we only have to be perfect one day.”

A recent tip-off led search teams to a lone hiker who appeared to be avoiding others and was “ill prepared for trail and weather conditions”, an update from Chelan County Sheriff’s office read.

Tracking teams then spotted an off-trail hiker in the Colchuk Lake area who fled when a helicopter passed over the area.

It’s understood authorities have recovered possible evidence tied to the case.

People who live or have cabins in the area have been urged to remain “highly vigilant” and report any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe set up to help Whitney Decker, the devastated mother of the three girls has so far raised an extraordinary US$1.2 million ($1.9m) from more than 27,000 donations.

In an update on the fundraiser’s page, organiser Amy Edwards thanked people for their ongoing support as the family prepares for a memorial for the girls.

“To everyone who has donated, thank you for your generosity and compassion. Your support continues to lift Whitney and her family during an unimaginably difficult time.

“To the countless people who have sent messages of love and encouragement, your words are a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our grief.

“To those who have shared beautiful memories of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia in the Facebook group, your reflections have brought light and comfort to so many.”

The memorial will be held on June 20 and attendees have been asked to wear “what makes you feel beautiful”. Organisers have suggested wearing something with the colours purple, pink and green to honour the girls.