Authorities in Chelan County say they are intensifying their search for Travis Decker, the 32-year-old father wanted in connection with the kidnapping and murder of his three daughters. Recent sightings and tracking efforts have brought law enforcement closer to the fugitive, who is believed to be hiding in rugged wilderness terrain.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed receiving a tip from hikers in the Enchantments area about a lone man behaving suspiciously and seemingly unprepared for the elements. Search teams responded and observed an individual near Colchuck Lake who quickly disappeared from view as a helicopter flew overhead.
Tracking dogs were later deployed and successfully followed a trail leading toward the Ingalls Creek trailhead along Highway 97. The sheriff’s office subsequently issued a public alert for the Ingalls Creek and Valley Hi areas, urging residents to remain alert and report any unusual activity.
Investigators are asking anyone who hiked in the Enchantments recently to come forward, especially solo hikers, to help eliminate leads or provide critical information. The manhunt has drawn support from both local and federal law enforcement agencies, who are coordinating air and ground searches.
Decker is accused of murdering his daughters—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn—after failing to return them to their mother following a scheduled visitation. The girls were reported missing on May 30, and their bodies were discovered on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground outside Leavenworth, approximately 75 to 100 yards from where Decker’s vehicle was found abandoned.
Autopsy results confirmed the girls died by suffocation. Evidence recovered at the scene included plastic bags, zip ties, and blood samples, one of which has been confirmed to be from a human male. Investigators also found that the girls had bags over their heads and showed signs of being restrained.
Decker now faces three counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Federal charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution have also been filed. Investigators noted that Decker conducted online searches related to relocating to Canada in the days leading up to the alleged crimes.
Authorities describe Decker as a trained outdoorsman with military experience, including survival and navigation skills. He has previously lived off-grid for extended periods and is believed to be capable of evading detection in remote areas.
More than 100 law enforcement personnel are involved in the ongoing search. At the direction of Governor Bob Ferguson, the Washington National Guard has joined the operation. The U.S. Border Patrol has taken over primary responsibility for the manhunt, while local detectives continue to process evidence and build the case against Decker.
Officials are warning the public that Decker is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as white, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the last sighting, he was wearing a tan or green t-shirt and dark shorts.
Residents, especially those in rural or mountainous areas, are urged to secure their homes, vehicles, and outbuildings. Anyone with game or trail cameras in the region is asked to check their footage and report findings to authorities.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information that leads directly to Decker’s arrest. Sightings or tips should be reported immediately to 911, the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or via the USMS online tip line.
