Travis Decker: Manhunt Closes In After Hikers Report Spotting Suspect
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Law enforcement officials said they have tracked a subject they believe to be Travis Decker, the father suspected of killing his three daughters, after receiving a tip from local hikers.
Tracking teams now believe they are "on Decker's trail," the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a media release. Officials said the subject believed to be Decker has been tracked to the Blewett Pass/ Highway 97 area.
The sheriff's office received a tip from a party of hikers who said they saw a lone hiker who appeared to be ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions in the Enchantments area. The party also reported that the hiker appeared to be avoiding others.
The Context
Authorities have identified Travis Decker as the primary suspect in the deaths of his three daughters in Washington state, a case that has attracted national scrutiny and prompted expansive search efforts across rugged mountain terrain.
Decker, 32, picked up his daughters—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn and 9-year-old Paityn—for a court-ordered visitation on May 30, but failed to return them to their mother as scheduled, prompting her to report the children missing that evening.
This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his...
This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. More
Wenatchee Police Department via AP
The bodies of all three girls were discovered on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground, along with Decker's abandoned truck. The children were found with plastic bags placed over their heads and wrists zip-tied, according to court documents obtained by KOMO News. Preliminary autopsy reports stated that each child had died from asphyxiation.
What To Know
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said U.S. Border Patrol has taken over operations and command in the search for Decker.
Newsweek reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment.
The sheriff's office said it remains "strongly engaged" in the murder investigation, processing available evidence and tracking down more potential evidence.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported that personal items belonging to Decker were located at the scene and evidence collection, including blood samples and ongoing DNA and fingerprint analysis, was underway.
In the days preceding the alleged murders, court documents show that Decker conducted extensive online research about relocating to Canada and Canadian job information, KOMO News reported.
Decker, a former U.S. Army soldier, has been described by law enforcement and court documents as an experienced outdoorsman with survivalist training. Investigators stated he possessed advanced skills in navigation and wilderness survival. His expertise has complicated search operations, prompting the involvement of specialized resources such as the Washington National Guard and federal agencies.
What People Are Saying
Chelan County Sheriff's Office, in a media release: "CCSO remains steadfast in our commitment to conduct a thorough investigation and the capture of Mr. Decker."
Karina Shagren, communications director of the Washington Military Department, in comments to Newsweek: "We have one UH60 Blackhawk and crew on standby at the Wenatchee airport. The area being searched is very rugged—this crew is available in the event law enforcement need to be transported to areas that are inaccessible by road."
What Happens Next
The search for Decker is ongoing. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said community support and tips are still needed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Officials are urging individuals who see Decker not to attempt to contact or approach him.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
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