Bob Ferguson activated the Washington National Guard on Friday night to aid law enforcement in the search for a man wanted in the killing of his three daughters.
“Tonight, I am tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters,” Ferguson said.
The governor said Decker was believed to be in the wilderness in and around Chelan County.
Areas of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex were also closed to the public on Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office at 509-422-7232, or .
Washington Gov. On Friday night, Bob Ferguson called in the Washington National Guard to help police find a man in connection with the murders of his three daughters.
Ferguson stated, “Tonight, I am using emergency funds and directing resources from the Washington National Guard to assist in the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters.”. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has requested that we provide helicopter transportation for law enforcement personnel conducting searches in remote areas. “.”.
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. Following Decker’s failure to return the girls to their mother in accordance with their court-ordered visitation plan, they were initially reported missing on June 2.
According to authorities, Decker might be following or passing close to the Pacific Crest Trail. Decker’s three young daughters were discovered dead at a campground close to Leavenworth, and he is wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping.
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Ferguson said in his news release late Friday night that the state of Washington is shocked by the three children’s deaths.
“My heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia’s mother, Whitney, and everyone who loves them,” he said as a parent.
The governor approved the use of National Guard resources and personnel in his news release.
“A dangerous situation has become even more complicated due to Decker’s extensive military training and the size and ruggedness of the terrain. As soon as possible, Decker must be found for the safety and welfare of the communities in and around Chelan County,” Ferguson wrote.
“Such action is necessary for preserving public health, safety, and welfare,” he added, justifying the use of the National Guard. “..”.
The governor stated that Decker was thought to be in the Chelan County wilderness.
The timeline.
Decker was charged by federal prosecutors on Thursday with unlawful flight to evade prosecution. “How to relocate to Canada” and “jobs Canada” in the days prior to his kidnapping of his daughters are mentioned in court documents that KOMO News was able to obtain on Friday.
According to court documents, on May 26, the Monday before he took Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn, Decker also went to the Canadian government’s website’s “find a job” section.
Several search warrants for Decker’s Google accounts, including earlier searches conducted from Decker’s account, were obtained and served by investigators.
The U. A. The Decker sisters were located at a campground approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, according to the Marshals Service’s report in federal court documents.
A well-known trail that stretches the whole west coast of the United States is the PCT. S. . Mexico to Canada. The northern border marks the end of the trail.
No fence or barrier separates the two nations at the PCT terminus, 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.
More than 100 officers searched the rocky Cascade Mountains in central Washington for Decker, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office reported on Friday that more than 500 tips had been received from the public.
According to court documents, Decker’s prior military service included extensive training in “navigation, woodland/mountainous terrain, long distance movements, survival, and numerous other disciplines needed to be able to flee.”.
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.”. “”.
Law enforcement asked residents of isolated parts of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties, as well as those who own cabins, to leave window blinds open and lock all doors, including sheds and outbuildings, earlier this week. Additionally, residents are asked to keep their outdoor lights on.
Parts of the PCT are among the hiking and recreational areas in Washington that have been closed by authorities as they continue their manhunt for Decker.
Many parts of Icicle Creek are closed to the public due to the forest closure, including the Enchantments and the entire Icicle Creek area near Leavenworth. Everyone is not allowed to use vehicles or be on trails or roads within the closure area, per the order.
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex also closed portions of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to the public Thursday.
When last seen, Decker was dressed in dark shorts and a light-colored shirt. Officials stated that the public should view him as dangerous and armed, though it is unknown if he is currently armed.
Never approach or try to get in touch with Decker if you see him. Give 911 a call.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line numbers are 509-667-6845 and 509-422-7232, respectively, for anyone with information.
Steve Benham, a producer of digital content for KATU, reported from Portland, Oregon.
