A multi-agency search is underway for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old father from Wenatchee, Washington, accused of kidnapping and murdering his three daughters during a court-approved visitation at a remote campsite.
Federal authorities, including the U.S. Marshals, have taken over the search after local officials spent more than a week scouring rugged terrain for Decker. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
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Decker is wanted in connection with the deaths of his daughters — Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 — whose bodies were discovered on June 1 in a remote area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The children had last been seen during a visitation with their father on May 30. Their mother, Whitney Decker, alerted police when they did not return.
Authorities located Decker’s abandoned truck near a campground, along with an abandoned campsite and the bodies of the girls approximately 100 yards away. An affidavit states all three girls had plastic bags over their heads, and zip ties were found at the scene. Autopsies later confirmed they died by suffocation and were victims of homicide.
Decker, a former Army infantryman with tactical and survival training, has been missing since the discovery. Officials say he is likely armed, dangerous, and capable of surviving for extended periods in remote wilderness. Residents in Chelan and surrounding counties have been urged to secure their homes, check security footage, and report any sightings immediately to 911.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced the use of emergency funds and National Guard resources to support the search, including helicopter transportation for law enforcement. “The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state,” Ferguson said.
According to court documents, Decker and his ex-wife had a parenting plan allowing him visitation every other weekend. Whitney Decker said he had a previously good relationship with the children but was experiencing mental health issues. She also noted he was considered homeless and had recently lost housing.
Investigators have received over 500 tips and are working with regional agencies to track any potential movements by Decker. As of Monday, he was believed to be in the Ingalls Creek area of Chelan County, about 10 miles south of Leavenworth.
Authorities stress that anyone who sees Decker should not approach him but should contact law enforcement immediately.
