$20K reward offered for information leading to arrest of father wanted for daughters’ murder

Authorities say Travis Decker is homeless and may be living in his vehicle or at various hotels and motels in the area. (Wenatchee Police Department)

Chelan County, Wash.

Multiple agencies say they are joining forces to find a Washington man wanted for murder after his three young daughters were found dead on Monday.

The U.S. Marshals Service said it offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Travis Decker.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wenatchee Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations are just a few of the agencies working to locate Decker.

Authorities said the situation started last Friday, when the mother of the girls reported Decker did not return them after a planned visit.

Over the weekend, police looked for the children and Decker, who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates.

Police said Decker’s truck was later found on Monday near the Rock Island Campground, about 20 miles away from Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee Police Department said the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were also found near the campground.

Court documents obtained by KCPQ and KIRO say that the girls likely died from asphyxiation.

KCPQ reports that the truck had two bloody handprints on it and had personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console. The camp showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and cooler located a short distance away.

Travis Decker’s cell phone activity showed he drove to and left the same campground a day before the kidnapping, court documents said.

KIRO reports that officers also found zip ties and plastic bags tossed throughout the area.

Anyone who may have seen Travis Decker or knows his current location has been asked to call 911.

He is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities are also urging anyone who sees Travis Decker to not approach him for safety reasons. Police said he may be armed and is a veteran with extensive training.

Actor Ed Gale, who played Chucky in ‘Child’s Play’ movies, dies at 61

Actor Ed Gale, who famously played the killer doll Chucky in “Child’s Play” has died. (CHUCKY Official / YouTube | MGN)

Actor Ed Gale, who played the killer doll Chucky in “Child’s Play,” has died at the age of 61.

Earlier this week, Gale’s niece Kayse Gale posted on Facebook about his death.

“It is with a heavy heart ... that we announce the sudden passing of our uncle,” she shared. “[He took] his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.”

Kayse Gale noted that her uncle appeared in more than 130 movies, television shows and commercials.

“With this wide-ranging body of work, he leaves behind a legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners,” his niece wrote. “Ed’s favorite role was that of the ‘fun uncle.’ His love language was sharing his love of the entertainment industry and the magic of Hollywood with his nieces.”

The cause of Ed Gale’s death was not immediately provided.

The retired actor and stunt performer debuted as Howard in 1986’s “Howard the Duck” before playing Chucky in the “Child’s Play” horror movies.

According to IMDb, Ed Gale’s last acting credit was from the 2020 film “Pandemonic.”

Dollywood named America’s favorite theme park for 3rd year in a row

FILE — Dollywood announced its Summer Celebration and Festival plans. (WDBJ7)

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The Dollywood theme park has been named America’s favorite by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

The theme park co-owned by music legend Dolly Parton received the top honor for the third year in a row.

According to the association, Dollywood beat Disneyland in California, which came in second place.

Dollywood is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge near where the 79-year-old Parton grew up. It opened to the public in 1986.

The historical association also named Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia as the most beautiful theme park for the 35th consecutive year, along with voting the Bobcat, a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, as this year’s favorite new attraction.

Woman arrested after 18-year-old kayaker killed in jet ski hit-and-run, authorities say

Authorities released an image of one of the women suspected of being on the jet ski during the hit-and-run crash being taken into custody. (Texas Game Wardens)

Grapevine, Texas

Texas authorities say a woman has been taken into custody in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a jet ski over the weekend.

Texas Game Wardens released a photo of one of the women who they say was on the jet ski that hit and killed an 18-year-old kayaker over the holiday weekend on Grapeline Lake.

Authorities identified the woman as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez.

On Monday, Texas Game Wardens said Gonzaelz was wanted in connection with the crash as they believed she was operating the jet ski with a female passenger when the watercraft hit the kayaker, later identified as Ava Moore.

According to the Grapevine Police Department, the female passenger stayed at the scene and was interviewed by first responders while Gonzalez left with a man. In a rush to leave the scene, police said the man also hit a vehicle while leaving.

Moore was taken to the hospital, but she did not survive her injuries.

“Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this difficult time. Texas Game Wardens remain committed to keeping our public waters safe,” police shared in a statement.

WFAA reports that Moore’s family said she had just received her appointment during a United States Air Force Academy Prep Graduation earlier this month.

“We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time....Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved, along with their families,” family members shared in a statement.

Jim Irsay, longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has died

FILE -- Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay talks during the Hall of Fame ring ceremony for Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James in 2021. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Indianapolis

Longtime Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has died.

The team announced the 65-year-old’s death on Wednesday,

“Jim’s dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts, in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed,” the team shared in a statement.

According to the team, Irsay died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon.

“Our deepest sympathies go to his daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, Kalen Jackson, and his entire family as we grieve with them,” the Colts’ statement continued.

Irsay had a profound impact on the franchise, helping turn the team into a perennial title contender through the years with such hires as general manager Bill Polian, head coach Tony Dungy, along with drafting quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998.

Jim Irsay’s journey with the Colts started in 1972 when his father, Robert Irsay, acquired the team. Jim Irsay eventually took over the team in 1997.

No cause of death was immediately announced.