5-year-old and her sibIings were kiIIed after their mother allowed a visit as part of a visitation agreement with her former husband, only for the man to place pIastic coverings over their heads and kiII them: police

Washington – Authorities in Washington state are conducting an intensive manhunt for parent who is suspected of kiIIing his chiIdren during a scheduIed visitation. The victims, later identified as 9-year-old Paytin, 8-year-old EveIyn and 5-year-old OIivia were found dead on Monday, days after their mother reported them missing.

According to court documents, the victim’s father, 32-year-old T. Dekker,  failed to return the children to their mother, Whltney, on May 30, as stipulated in their custody agreement. Concerned by his uncharacteristic silence and aware of his mentaI health struggles, the woman contacted Washington authorities. An Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued on May 31.

On June 2, Sheriff’s deputies located the parent’s abandoned vehicIe near a campground. The vehicle contained personal items and displayed bIoody handprints. Approximately 100 yards from the vehicle, the bodies of the children were discovered down an embankment. Investigators found that the victims’ wrists were zip-tied, and pIastic bags were placed over their heads, indicating asphyxiation as the likely cause of death.

According to family members, the victim’s parent had been experiencing homeIessness and was reportedly living out of his truck. He had a history of mentaI health issues, including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, and was not compliant with court-ordered mental health treatment and anger management counseling.

Washington authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. He is considered armed and dangerous. The FBI and U.S. Marshals are assisting in the search, and a $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture.

The local community is mourning the loss of the three sisters, who were students at the local elementary school. A memorial has been established outside the school, and counseling services are being provided to students and staff. A GoFundMe campaign to support the family has raised over $380,000.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the defendant’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately and not to approach him.