Latest news with #ChelanCountySheriff
Fox News
8 hours ago
- Fox News
Manhunt for Travis Decker intensifies as county sheriff's office assumes lead role in search for father
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has officially assumed the role of lead investigative agency in the ongoing manhunt for Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters at a remote campsite in Washington state. In a clarification issued Wednesday, the department shared with Fox News Digital that the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer the lead agency amid the ongoing manhunt for 32-year-old Decker. The shift in jurisdiction comes as the investigation continues to focus on rugged wilderness areas within Chelan County, where Decker was last seen. The department is coordinating with state and federal partners in an intensive search effort that includes aerial surveillance, tracking dogs and backcountry patrols. On Tuesday, June 10, authorities announced that they were zeroing in on the Army veteran. On Monday, the agency received a tip from a group of hikers of a man who appeared evasive and unprepared near the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas late Monday night, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). "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," the sheriff's office said in a press release. Authorities subsequently acted on the tip and "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO said. Search teams were able to establish a trail and deploy K9s throughout the area, leading them to Ingalls Creek. SEE IT: PHOTOS OF THE SEARCH The wooded area is located approximately 30 miles from Rock Island Campground, where the bodies of Decker's three daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found on June 2. The bodies were found three days after they did not return to their mother following a court-approved visit with Decker. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Authorities said Decker, a former Army infantryman with survival skills, may have used his rugged survivalist capabilities to evade capture. Authorities previously described him as "dangerous," warning residents not to approach him and describing him as armed. "This is someone with military training, someone who's lived off-grid before," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. "We're dealing with a highly capable survivalist who may be using the terrain to his advantage." If convicted, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Search for Travis Decker; Pewaukee native believed to be spotted
The Brief Washington law enforcement believes they have tracked Travis Decker. The Pewaukee native is suspected of killing his young daughters. Federal agencies are leading the search efforts. PEWAUKEE, Wis. - Law enforcement agencies believe they are on the trail of a Pewaukee native suspected of killing his three children. What we know Travis Decker is accused of killing his three young daughters in Washington State. Authorities in Washington confirmed three girls, ages 5, 8 and 9, were found dead on Monday, June 2. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office received a tip from a hiking party, the sheriff's office announced on Tuesday, June 10. The hikers reported seeing a lone individual in the Enchantments area who appeared "ill-prepared for the conditions" and appeared to be "avoiding others." Tracking teams responded and found 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 Individuals in the area with cabins or residences in the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 area are urged to report suspicious activity, lock their doors and vehicles and look out for neighbors' property. Those with cameras 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. If Decker is sighted, you are asked to call 911 immediately and not attempt to contact or approach him. Deputies also recently announced a $20,000 cash reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest. Decker lived out of his truck. The vehicle was found, but there is no sign of him. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android 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. Local perspective Decker graduated from Pewaukee High School. He was a wrestler while attending the school. His brother told FOX6 News Decker graduated in 2010. Investigators say Decker kidnapped his three daughters 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evenlyn and 9-year-old Paityn, who were found dead at the Rock Island Campground outside of Leavenworth, Washington. Investigators say the preliminary cause of death for each was asphyxiation. A GoFundMe to help the children's mother, Whitney, cover expenses and legal costs has surpassed $1 million. The Source Information in this report came from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, FOX13 and prior FOX6 coverage.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- 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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
BREAKING: Chelan County deputies issue community alert, Travis Decker suspected to be in the area
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has issued a community alert for the area of Ingalls Creek and Valley High as law enforcement searches for suspect Travis Decker. He is believed to potentially be in this area, according to deputies. Residents were told to secure their homes and vehicles, stay alert, and report any suspicious activity to 911. Decker is accused of kidnapping and killing his three young daughters at a campground outside of Leavenworth. Chelan County Sheriff's Office: COMMUNITY ALERT - AREA OF INGALLS CREEK AND VALLEY HIGH: Law enforcement is searching for suspect Travis Decker in the area of Ingalls Creek and Valley High as he is believed to potentially be in this area. Please secure your homes and vehicles, stay alert, and report any suspicious activity to 911. Residents and visitors will see a visible increase in law enforcement presence tonight as a precaution. Your safety remains top priority. If you see something say something.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
Survivalist's Google searches reveal possible escape plan amid manhunt in daughters' triple murder: report
New photos of the Washington state survivalist accused of killing his own daughters have been released as federal authorities warn he could be trying to flee to Canada following a two-week-long manhunt. Officials are still searching for Travis Decker, 32, nearly two weeks after his three daughters, Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5, were first reported missing and days after their bodies were discovered. On June 7, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office released an updated wanted poster with new photos of Decker, highlighting his tattoos, haircut and wardrobe, as authorities continue to comb through large swaths of wilderness in search of the father. Decker was last seen wearing a green or tan shirt, which he was previously photographed in, and dark shorts, according to authorities. He is described as "dangerous" with police warning he "may be armed." Hundreds of law enforcement officials have been combing through nearby wooded areas and structures, with the state's National Guard deploying late Friday as the search for Decker continues. "Law enforcement members have conducted thorough searches of the forested areas, the river, and many structures in the area that Mr. Decker was last known to be in," the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants." The Chelan County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Officials are also looking into the possibility that Decker, an experienced survivalist who previously spent time in the military, is attempting to flee to Canada, according to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle. According to the affidavit, a search of Decker's Google account revealed queries such as "how does a person move to Canada," "how to relocate to Canada," and "jobs Canada." The U.S. Marshals with the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Additionally, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has pledged to provide helicopter transportation for officers searching in remote areas. "As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them," Ferguson wrote on X. "The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. I'm committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia." The girls were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and bound wrists at a Chelan County campground last week and are believed to have died from asphyxiation. Additionally, deputies found two bloody handprints on the tailgate of Decker's vehicle. Decker's ex-wife, Whitney Decker, 35, told police that the girls had not returned from a court-ordered visit three days after a visit with their father, according to court documents. Decker was permitted to visit the girls every other weekend – but not overnight – according to a court-ordered parenting plan that he did not sign. When he failed to drop the girls off with their mother by the 8 p.m. curfew on Friday night, May 30, his ex tried calling – but was unable to reach him, according to a Chelan County police affidavit. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The children's mother told police Decker has mental health issues – including borderline personality disorder – but had never missed a deadline to return their children following a visit. He is homeless and lives in motels and campgrounds, according to the affidavit. Local, state and federal officials continue to search for Decker, who is described as standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Authorities are unsure if Decker is armed, but insist he is considered dangerous. Decker is charged with three counts each of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
