Latest news with #BlewettPass
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- News.com.au
Cops call in cadaver dogs in search for fugitive dad
Warning: Distressing content Authorities hunting for Travis Decker, the fugitive Washington father accused of murdering his three young daughters, believe he may be dead — with cops now bringing in cadaver dogs in the search effort. Decker, 32, a military veteran, has been on the run since last month after the bodies of his three daughters Evelyn, 8, Olivia, 5, and Paityn, 9, were found with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties around their wrists near their father's abandoned pick-up truck. 'At this time, there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area,' Kittitas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Monday night. 'Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching. Still, we can't and won't quit this search; Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice. And Decker remains a danger to the public as long as he's at large,' the statement continued, New York Post reported. Authorities are continuing to search for Decker throughout Blewett Pass, Lauderdale, Liberty and Teenaway Valley, the sheriff's office added. Cadaver dogs are now being used by teams in neighbouring Chelan County as the search for Decker enters its fourth week, Sheriff Mike Morrison said on Monday. '(U.S.) Marshals are following up on leads and we continue to conduct joint operations with (nearby) Kittitas County,' Morrison told USA TODAY. 'Additional air operations will take place over the next couple of days, inserting specialised search teams into more inaccessible areas.' A cadaver dog will be deployed this week, Sheriff Morrison added. 'Some search resources are being redirected to find and recover Decker if he died in the rugged wilderness during this intense search,' the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office said in its statement, adding that it is 'a possibility that increases every day.' The update comes after the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, spoke publicly about the loss of her children for the first time last week. 'I truly hope that the legacy of the girls' lives on in everyone's heart forever,' she said at a June 20 memorial service, according to Fox 13 Seattle. 'They were incredible.'
Fox News
24-06-2025
- Fox News
Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters believed to be alive, evading capture: police
Authorities believe the Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters is still alive and actively evading authorities as federal and state law enforcement officials continue to comb through the dense wilderness in search of the military-trained survivalist. Travis Decker has managed to avoid capture for three weeks and is wanted for allegedly killing his three daughters – Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 – after their bodies were found near a Washington campsite earlier this month. "We'll eventually get to find him," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told KING 5. "It may be in a week, it may be in a couple of years, but we're not going to go away." The revelation comes after officials announced earlier this week they are combing through the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. "If you have trail cameras or doorbell cameras, please check them for suspicious activity," the department said in a statement. "If you have residences in these areas, check them for anything missing – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant." The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Authorities began searching for Decker on the evening of May 30 after his ex-wife notified police that he had not returned the couple's three children from a court-mandated visitation, according to court documents. Three days later, the girls were discovered near Decker's abandoned vehicle with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound, police said. The update comes one week after the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announced a group of hikers reported seeing a lone individual who appeared unprepared for the wilderness near Colchuck Lake. When authorities responded to the tip, they "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter," adding the individual "ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO previously said in a press release. The lake is located approximately 40 miles from Blewett Pass and 60 miles from Teanaway Valley by car. A new flyer depicting renderings of ways Decker may have changed his physical appearance was released by authorities on Tuesday. The updated poster includes photos of Decker with and without facial hair and wearing a baseball hat. Officials also quashed a TikTok video reportedly showing CCSO Sheriff Mike Morrison announcing Decker's arrest after a long standoff. "To be clear, Mr. Decker is not in custody and CCSO had no part in making the video," the department wrote in a Facebook post. The U.S. Marshals Service has taken on the role of lead agency in the hunt for Decker, who is a former member of the military with extensive experience in wilderness survival. The Washington National Guard is also assisting local law enforcement with aerial search efforts and surveillance. Officials warn that Decker is considered armed and dangerous but do not have reason to believe he is a threat to public safety. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest. He is charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Fox News
19-06-2025
- Fox News
Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters nears 3 weeks living in wilderness amid manhunt
The manhunt for the Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters has expanded as federal and state law enforcement officials continue to comb through the dense wilderness in search of the military-trained survivalist. Authorities said this week that they are combing through the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas as the search for Travis Decker continues into its third week, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. "If you have trail cameras or doorbell cameras, please check them for suspicious activity," the department said in a statement. "If you have residences in these areas, check them for anything missing – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant." The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Decker is wanted for allegedly killing his three daughters – Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 – after their bodies were found near a Washington campsite earlier this month. Authorities began searching for Decker on the evening of May 30 after his ex-wife notified police that he had not returned the couple's three children from a court-mandated visitation, according to court documents. Three days later, the girls were discovered near Decker's abandoned vehicle with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound, police said. The update comes one week after the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announced a group of hikers reported seeing a lone individual who appeared unprepared for the wilderness near Colchuck Lake. When authorities responded to the tip, they "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter," adding the individual "ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO previously said in a press release. The lake is located approximately 40 miles from Blewett Pass and 60 miles from Teanaway Valley by car. A new flyer depicting renderings of ways Decker may have changed his physical appearance was released by authorities on Tuesday. The updated poster includes photos of Decker with and without facial hair and wearing a baseball hat. Officials also quashed a TikTok video reportedly showing CCSO Sheriff Mike Morrison announcing Decker's arrest after a long standoff. "To be clear, Mr. Decker is not in custody and CCSO had no part in making the video," the department wrote in a Facebook post. The U.S. Marshals Service has taken on the role of lead agency in the hunt for Decker, who is a former member of the military with extensive experience in wilderness survival. The Washington National Guard is also assisting local law enforcement with aerial search efforts and surveillance. Officials warn that Decker is considered armed and dangerous but do not have reason to believe he is a threat to public safety. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest. He is charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Travis Decker, Dad Accused of Killing 3 Daughters, Allegedly Tracked By Authorities After Weeklong Manhunt: Police
Authorities believe they have tracked Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three daughters, to the Blewett Pass in Washington after a weeklong manhunt The girls — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — were found suffocated at a remote campground on June 2 Decker was previously charged in absentia with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnappingTravis Decker, the Washington father accused of murdering his three young daughters during a court-ordered visit, has been allegedly tracked following a nationwide manhunt that spanned over a week and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, June 39, is currently believed to have been tracked to the Blewett Pass area near Highway 97 in Washington, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a press release shared with PEOPLE. He has yet to be apprehended. "Our office recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others," police said. "Tracking teams immediately acted upon the information and spotted a lone, off trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed," the CCSO added. "Additional assets were called to the area while they developed a plan to track the individual. Teams later picked up a trail and deployed K9s to the area, tracking the subject to the area of Ingalls Creek Trailhead on HWY 97." Police say anyone who has been camping in the area within the last week and noticed anything suspicious should call the tip line. Decker is wanted in connection with the deaths of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5 — three sisters found deceased at a remote campsite near the Cascade Mountains on June 2. The girls had been reported missing by their mother, Whitney Decker, on May 30, after their father, Travis, failed to return them following a court-ordered visitation. Hours later, police located Travis' abandoned truck at the Rock Island Campground. Inside a tent nearby, they made a grim discovery: all three sisters, deceased. All three children had been suffocated, and a coroner ruled their deaths homicides, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Travis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree kidnapping and custodial interference. Authorities believed Decker may have fled on foot and attempted to cross into Canada after he allegedly searched "how to relocate to Canada" online. A $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. The U.S. Marshal Service, along with local and state agencies, coordinated a wide-ranging search. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. At the time of the murders, Decker and Whitney were in the midst of a divorce, and Whitney had been granted full custody. She previously expressed concern for the girls' safety and had reportedly petitioned to restrict unsupervised visitation. The case has drawn national attention and an outpouring of support for the Decker family. A GoFundMe campaign organized on Whitney's behalf has raised over $1 million to cover funeral costs and other expenses. Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia were remembered by loved ones as "bright, creative, and deeply loved."As Decker is yet to be apprehended, no plea has been entered at this time. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Tracking teams believe Travis Decker spotted near Blewett Pass, WA
The Brief Law enforcement believes they have tracked triple homicide suspect Travis Decker to the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 area following a recent tip. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service, are now leading the search efforts. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity or tips regarding Decker's whereabouts, who is considered armed and dangerous, and a reward of up to $20,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest. Law enforcement agencies believe they are on the trail of Travis Decker, a suspect in a triple homicide, tracking him to the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 area. Authorities are asking the public, particularly residents and cabin owners in the area, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. What we know The current lead developed after the Chelan County Sheriff's Office received a tip from a hiking party. The hikers reported seeing a lone individual in the Enchantments area who appeared ill-prepared for the conditions and was seemingly avoiding others. Tracking teams responded immediately, locating a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake. The individual reportedly ran from sight as the helicopter passed. Additional resources were called to the area, and K9 units were deployed after teams picked up a trail. The subject was tracked to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead area on Highway 97. What you can do Authorities are asking hikers who have been in the Enchantments area within the last week and observed anything suspicious to contact the tip line. Solo hikers in the area recently are also asked to contact the tip line immediately to provide their information for investigators. As the search continues, individuals with cabins or residences in the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 area are urged to report any suspicious activity, lock their doors and vehicles, and look out for their neighbors' property. Those with cameras, including trail cameras, in the area are asked to check them or submit a tip to the U.S. Marshals tip line with the camera's location for law enforcement review. While federal agencies are leading the continued search, sheriff's office detectives remain actively engaged in the murder investigation, processing evidence and seeking additional evidence to build a strong case for prosecution. The sheriff's office thanked its Detective Division, led by Sgt. Lewis, and the East Cascade SWAT Team, led by Sgt. Frank, Sgt. Foreman, and Deputy Eakle, for their "several hundred combined hours of work since locating Evelyn, Paityn, and Olivia deceased on June 2, 2025." The sheriff's office also expressed gratitude for the community's support, specifically mentioning the Wenatchee Blue Family, Soup Ladies, and other local entities that have provided meals, snacks, drinks, and other essential items to law enforcement personnel. Governor Ferguson was also thanked for authorizing the National Guard to assist with the search, providing air assets and logistical support. The United States Border Patrol has taken over operations and command for the search for Decker. Under their direction, they are following up on community tips and working closely with other federal entities. The sheriff's office and its regional partners remain available to assist as needed. The public is asked to report tips regarding Decker's whereabouts to the U.S. Marshals Service via their tip line and website USMS Tips. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker's arrest. Decker should be considered armed and dangerous. What's next If Travis Decker is sighted, individuals are advised to call 911 immediately and not attempt to contact or approach him. 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. Sheriff Morrison, accompanied by a representative from the U.S. Marshals Service, will conduct a press conference at the Chelan County Courthouse stairs on June 11, 2025, at 4 p.m. The Source Information in this story came from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Anti-ICE protesters use bikes, scooters to block Seattle Federal Building exits Travis Decker manhunt: Focus shifts near WA's Blewett Pass Home of Seattle rapper Macklemore invaded, nanny maced: police Woman sues Costco for $14M after display falls on her head WA's Chehalis Tribe acquires long-criticized 'Uncle Sam' sign Lane Lambert ecstatic to take reins as new head coach of Seattle Kraken To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
