Authorities have issued a new suspect flyer in the ongoing search for Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters near a Washington campground last month. The manhunt intensifies as Decker faces three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.
Decker, a veteran of the Army, is believed to have taken his daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—under the guise of a “planned visitation” on May 30. Tragically, three days later, their bodies were discovered near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, prompting an extensive search. While Decker’s truck was found in the vicinity, he remains at large.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has released an updated flyer that includes images of Decker and potential alterations to his appearance, as well as warnings about his dangerous nature and possible possession of firearms. The search effort is being led by the U.S. Marshals Service, which is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker’s capture. Ground and air support is also being provided by the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Army National Guard.
Despite the intense search, authorities have stated that there is currently no additional information indicating a threat to public safety in the backcountry and remote regions, although they urge outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Prior reports have mentioned that tracking teams believed they spotted Decker in the Blewett Pass area. Additionally, a recent hiking party reported encountering a solitary hiker in the Enchantments who appeared ill-prepared and was seemingly avoiding contact with others.
Decker, described as 5 feet 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen dressed in a tan or green shirt and dark shorts.
Whitney Decker, the ex-wife of the suspect and mother of the deceased girls, has previously highlighted her ex-husband’s struggles with mental health, including PTSD. She indicated that despite these challenges, his behavior did not raise any immediate concerns before the tragic events occurred. Court documents reveal that the girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties on their wrists, with autopsy results confirming suffocation as the cause of death.
This heartbreaking case reflects deeper issues surrounding mental health and family safety and urges a closer examination of the resources available for individuals struggling with such challenges. The search for justice continues as the community rallies for the memory of the young girls lost too soon.