The search for Travis Decker has intensified as more than 100 officers, agents, and deputies continue to hunt for the ex-Army man accused of killing his three young daughters last week.
PREVIOUSLY | Law enforcement professionals, both tactical and administrative, have converged on Chelan County to assist in the complex murder investigation.
Bob Ferguson also activated the Washington National Guard Friday evening to aid law enforcement.
Local and federal law enforcement have been searching for the 32-year-old father from the air and on the ground after the bodies of his daughters, 5-year-old Olivia Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 9-year-old Paityn Decker, were discovered Monday.
I’m committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia.”
More than 100 officers, agents, and deputies are still searching for Travis Decker, the former Army man who is suspected of killing his three young daughters last week. The search has gotten more intense.
The joint operation has narrowed its focus thanks to more than 500 public tips, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
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Tactical and administrative law enforcement experts have gathered in Chelan County to help with the intricate murder investigation.
Officials reported that despite the difficulties, morale at the Command Post is still high.
Decisions in the ongoing search are being aided by new surveillance footage, images, and public tips. Authorities are collaborating with neighboring counties in case Decker passes through the forest and enters their territory.
The success of apprehending Decker is thought to depend on the participation of additional agencies and public awareness.
Washington Gov. In order to assist law enforcement, Bob Ferguson also called in the Washington National Guard on Friday night.
The bodies of the 32-year-old father’s daughters, Olivia Decker, 8, Evelyn Decker, and 9, were found Monday, prompting local and federal law enforcement to conduct both aerial and ground searches for the father. Investigators discovered plastic bags and zip ties strewn all over the place where the bodies of the three girls were discovered, some 75 to 100 yards down an embankment.
In violation of their court-mandated visitation schedule, Decker neglected to return the girls to their mother, which led to their initial disappearance. He faced charges of kidnapping and murder after their bodies were found.
As a parent, Ferguson posted on X, “My heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia’s mom, Whitney, and all those who love them.”. “Our state is shocked by the heinous murder of these young children. I’m determined to help law enforcement in their efforts to bring Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia justice. “.
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On Thursday, federal prosecutors accused Decker of fleeing illegally to evade prosecution. According to court documents that KOMO News was able to obtain on Friday, Decker looked up “jobs Canada,” “how to relocate to Canada,” and “how does a person move to Canada” on Google in the days prior to abducting his daughters.
Several search warrants for Decker’s Google accounts, including earlier searches conducted from Decker’s account, were obtained and served by investigators. Decker was homeless and reportedly suffering from PTSD at the time of the killings. According to documents, his ex-wife listed his mental instability as a reason for her divorce.
The U. S. The Decker sisters were discovered at a campground approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), according to the Marshals Service’s report in federal court documents. The entire west coast of the United States is home to the well-known PCT trail. S. from Mexico to Canada. The northern border is where the trail comes to an end.
At the PCT terminus, there is no fence or barrier between the two countries, even though Canada declared earlier this year that it would no longer grant permits for hikers to enter the country lawfully without going through an official port of entry.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office reported on Friday that over 500 tips had been received from the public and that over 100 officers were searching the rocky Cascade Mountains in central Washington for Decker.
According to court documents, Decker had extensive training in “navigation, woodland/mountainous terrain, long distance movements, survival, and numerous other disciplines needed to be able to flee” while serving in the Army.
Additionally, according to court documents, Decker is a “well-versed outdoorsman” who “frequently engages in hiking, camping, survival skill practice, hunting, and even lived off the grid in the backwoods for approximately 2.5 months on one occasion.”. “.”.
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Earlier this week, law enforcement in Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties asked residents who live in remote areas or who own cabins to leave window blinds open and lock all doors, including sheds and outbuildings. Outside lights should be left on, residents are also advised.
Several hiking and recreational areas in Washington, including portions of the PCT, have been closed by authorities while they continue their manhunt for Decker.
Authorities stated that Decker should be regarded as dangerous and armed, though it is currently unknown if he is armed. Decker was described by authorities as white, about 5′ 8″, 190 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. The last time we saw him, he was dressed in dark shorts and a light shirt.
In addition to being advised not to speak to or approach Decker, anyone who spots him should dial 911 right away. We encourage anyone with information to submit their information or call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845.
