Latest news with #WashingtonNationalGuard
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Travis Decker Update: The Latest As National Guard Aids in Expanded Search
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. The search for Travis Decker, a former Army soldier accused of killing his three young daughters in Washington state, is in its second week as the Washington National Guard has been deployed to aid law enforcement officers continuing to comb the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail region. Authorities reopened several previously closed roads and trails in Chelan County but maintained warnings for area residents and visitors to remain vigilant. Decker, 32, has been described him as a skilled outdoorsman with survivalist training. 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 Context This case has drawn national attention due to the severity of the allegations, questions about gaps in mental health support for veterans, and public safety concerns as the suspect remains at large. The killings of 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn have sparked a wide-scale manhunt and prompted calls for increased security and mental health resources. What To Know Washington Governor Bob Ferguson wrote on X on Saturday that he ordered Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Decker. Karina Shagren, communications director of the Washington Military Department, told Newsweek that the department has a 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," Shagren said. After a week of intensive searching, Chelan County authorities began reopening some roads and trails closed at the onset of the manhunt. Overnight stays on some backcountry trails remain prohibited through Thursday. Newsweek reached out to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office for comment. Travis Decker picked up his daughters on May 30 for a court-ordered visitation but failed to return them. Their mother reported the children missing that evening. On June 2, the bodies of all three girls were found near the Rock Island Campground, and Decker's abandoned truck was discovered nearby. Suspect's Background and Search Operation Decker is an Army veteran with knowledge of survival skills. "Mr. Decker is well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment," the sheriff's office said in a media release. He is wanted for murder, kidnapping, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Over 500 public tips have been reported to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Public Safety and Community Impact Authorities cautioned residents living in remote and wooded areas across five counties to lock doors and outbuildings, turn on outdoor lights, and remain alert. A $20,000 reward is available for credible tips leading to Decker's arrest. Arianna Cozart, an attorney for the children's mother Whitney Decker, previously told Newsweek that Whitney did not observe any unusual behavior from Travis when he came to pick up the girls on May 30. "If there had been any concerning behavior, Whitney would not have allowed the visitation," Cozart said. Whitney has repeatedly said that the lack of mental health resources for veterans failed Travis, herself and her children, according to Cozart. "I think she is still reeling from losing her entire world. She is strong and kind and wants this tragedy to spur change and save lives. That is what is driving her right now," Cozart said. What People Are Saying Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, 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." Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, at a press conference: "I don't think any motive would be acceptable. And clearly, it's not the decision of a sound mind." What Happens Next Law enforcement agencies will continue search efforts in the Pacific Northwest, reviewing tips as the investigation advances. The National Guard and other agencies remain deployed, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and campsites will stay partially closed as authorities pursue all leads in the hunt for Decker. Anyone with information is urged to call the Chelan County Sheriff's Office tip line at 509-667-6845. Officials are warning the public not to contact or approach Decker. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Washington state manhunt for suspected child killer expands with National Guard
National Guard assets are being deployed in Washington state to expand the search for a man accused of killing his three young daughters, Gov. Bob Ferguson, D-Wash., confirmed Saturday. '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. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas,' Ferguson wrote on X. Authorities consider Decker a 'significant risk' after his daughters aged 9, 8 and 5 were found dead at a campground about 130 miles east of Seattle Monday. 'As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them. 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,' Ferguson wrote on X. 'I want to remind Washingtonians to be aware of safety directives from law enforcement as the search continues. If you live in the area, keep your doors and windows locked. Avoid closed areas, which currently include the Enchantments and the Icicle River area. If you see Travis Decker, do not approach -- call 911. Anyone with information should contact [the] Chelan County Sheriff's Office.' Federal, state and local officials have been searching for the military veteran in Eastern Washington since the children were discovered. Their mother first reported them missing after they failed to return from a scheduled court-ordered visit on Monday. Officials believe Decker, who is homeless and has extensive military training, could now be on or near the extensive Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,650-mile route stretches along the Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico, passing through Washington state and Oregon. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker's capture. He is described as 5-foot-8 with black hair and brown eyes. 'Dozens more law enforcement professionals, both tactical and administrative, have converged on Chelan County and joined the investigation and the search for Travis Decker. Despite the many challenges faced and the complex on-going murder investigation, morale and effort remains extremely high within staff at the Command Post,' Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison posted on the agency's Facebook page. 'The investigation and operations continue as new surveillance video, photos, and tips from the public are continuously surfacing which aids in decision making. Out of an abundance of caution, we have been given notice to, and are working in conjunction with our surrounding counties in the event Mr. Decker moves through the forest into their jurisdiction. Additionally, the more agencies we can get involved, and the more the public remains vigilant, the better opportunity for success in the capture of Mr. Decker.' Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
Search intensifies for Travis Decker, accused in slaying of 3 daughters
Search intensifies for Travis Decker, accused in slaying of 3 daughters Show Caption Hide Caption Manhunt for Travis Decker intensifies Authorities warn that Travis Decker, who is accused of kidnapping and killing his daughters, may be capable of surviving off the grid for months. Fox - Seattle Authorities in Washington have intensified the search for Travis Decker, who is wanted in the killing of his three young daughters. The state's governor on June 6 said he would tap into emergency funds and Washington National Guard resources to aid in the search. The bodies of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were found on June 2 at a remote campground. The girls' mother, Whitney Decker, reported to police that her ex-husband failed to return them after a scheduled custody visit on May 30, police said. The girls were found near Travis Decker's white truck having been suffocated, with Decker nowhere in sight, court records say. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Decker is wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interference. Gov. Bob Ferguson said on June 6 he was "tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources" to help in the search for Decker. Ferguson said he would also provide helicopters to law enforcement combing through remote areas of the state. "As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them. 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," Ferguson said. He reiterated a warning from local authorities to keep windows and doors locked. Chelan County Undersheriff Dan Ozment previously told residents in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas King, Snohomish, and Okanagan counties to remain on alert. What happened to the 3 sisters? The Decker sisters went with their father for a regularly scheduled custody visit on May 30 in central Washington but never returned. The parents were divorced, and Travis Decker was homeless and staying primarily in his truck. Whitney Decker reported them missing that day. Washington State Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) alert for the girls on May 31 after authorities found criteria wasn't met for an Amber Alert. Wenatchee police tracked Travis Decker's truck, a white 2017 GMC Sierra, and found it June 2 near Rock Island Campground, about 40 miles northwest of Wenatchee. Travis Decker was not there, but the bodies of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia were about 75 to 100 yards away from the truck. The girls likely died of asphyxiation, according to a probable cause affidavit. Each girl was found with a plastic bag over her head, and also showed signs of being zip-tied. Decker could be hiding in wilderness, authorities say Authorities said Travis Decker could be using his outdoor survival skills to be staying off law enforcement's radar. Decker went to mountain survival school and served in the U.S. Army, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said on June 4. "It sounds like at times he would go out and would be (living) off grid for sometimes up to two and a half months," Morrison told reporters. "He could have scoped out this area before (he) put supplies out there and has the ability and the knowledge to survive for a long period of time." Police have said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached." Chelan County Sheriff's Office said on June 5 it was narrowing its search for Decker after gathering "new information" in the case. "Our teams have written and executed several search warrants around the area and on electronic devices that belonged to Travis Decker," Ozment said, adding that officials had "gathered new information which in turn has given us more leads to follow up on." Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
New York Post
5 days ago
- New York Post
Wanted Washington dad Travis Decker seen in doorbell footage before allegedly murdering his 3 daughters
The Washington dad wanted for the murders of his three daughters was spotted on security cameras in the days leading up to the brutal killings as police ramp up their search for the military-trained suspect. Doorbell footage captured Travis Decker walking up to an unidentified home's door, knocking on it before strangely sliding his hand up and down the surface, according to video released by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday evening. Authorities noted the video was from before the alleged killings, but released the footage as they are the most recent images of Decker. 6 Travis Decker was spotted on a Ring doorbell camera days before his three daughters' bodies were discovered on June 2, 2025. Chelan County Sheriff's Office Decker, 32, is wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping after the bodies of his three daughters –Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 – were discovered in a remote campground near his abandoned truck. Police also shared two other images of the 32-year-old military veteran that showcased his bushy mustache and chin beard. Decker, who is homeless and has been living out of his truck, also has multiple arm tattoos and was sporting a ponytail in one of the pictures. He was described as 5-foot-8 inches, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. 'It is unknown if he is armed at this time but he should be considered dangerous and should not be contacted or approached,' the sheriff's department noted. 6 The bodies of his three daughters -Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 – were discovered in a remote Washington campground. Facebook/Whitney Decker 6 Police also shared two other images of the 32-year-old military veteran that showcased his bushy mustache and chin beard. Chelan County Sheriff's Office 6 Decker, who is homeless and has been living out of his truck, also has multiple arm tattoos and was sporting a mullet in one of the pictures. Chelan County Sheriff's Office Decker had picked up his daughters from his ex-wife Whitney Decker's house for a scheduled custody visit on May 30 and brought them to a campground in the rural Washington State city of Wenatchee. The girls' mother reported the trio missing at 9:45 p.m. Friday after her ex-husband failed to return them home. An endangered missing persons alert was issued Saturday before it was canceled Monday after police discovered the girls. Their bodies were found in an embankment at Rock Island Campground, about 18 miles west of the town of Leavenworth, at around 5 p.m. Their bodies were found close to their father's white 2017 GMC Sierra truck, which allegedly had two bloody handprints smeared on the back. They were found with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists zip-tied. Preliminary investigations indicate the girls likely died from asphyxiation. Officials believe Decker, who was a member of the Washington National Guard since 2021 after transferring from the Active Component, can survive for months off-grid in the wilderness. 'We understand that at times, he would do cashing, so we understand that's a possibility that he could have scoped out this area before, put some supplies out there, and has the ability and knowledge to survive for long periods of time,' Sheriff Morrison said at a press conference Wednesday night, KIRO7 reported. 6 The girls' mother reported the trio missing at 9:45 p.m. Friday after her ex-husband failed to return them home. Facebook/Katie Vogel 6 Officials believe Decker, who was a member of the Washington National Guard since 2021 after transferring from the Active Component, can survive for months off-grid in the wilderness. Chelan County Sheriff's Office 'Thanks to our Marshall's Office tracking down some good leads that we feel are giving us more of an insight into Travis' mindset – where he may have gone to,' Morrison added. A $20,000 reward is available for information leading to Decker's arrest.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Ex-soldier's daughters 'suffocated to death on camping trip' as manhunt launched
Ex-soldier Travis Decker is wanted on 3 counts of murder and kidnapping after his three daughters were found dead after a planned camping trip with him - as reports suggest the girls were suffocated A father, whose three young daughters went missing while on a camping trip with him, is believed to have strangled the girls as their cause of death has been revealed. A huge search was launched for Travis Decker, 32, after his daughters Olivia, 5, Evelyn, 8, and Paityn, 9, were found dead, days after they were reported missing, on Monday. The girls vanished during a planned visitation with their homeless dad, on Friday, May 30, but authorities looking for the young girls found them at the Rock Island Campground, in Leavenworth, Washington. A preliminary report into the shocking deaths said the sisters appeared to have died from asphyxiation. Authorities searching for the former Army solider said he is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. Police have also warned the public"do not approach" the ex-solider with "extensive training" if he is seen - instead urging the public to call 911. Cops also found Decker's vehicle with two bloody handprints, close to where the girls were located. Police also discovered personal items like a wallet, food, car seats, and blankets. The location even showed signs somebody had recently been nearby, before cops showed up, as they found a tent a short walk away. The alarm was raised on Monday after Decker did not drop his daughters back to their mother. In a Facebook post shared on May 31, Mrs Decker said: "Last night at 8pm Travis was supposed to drop the girls back off with me and never showed. "The cops have him going north out of Wenatchee at 5:41. If you could please all keep an eye out for him, his phone is off and every hotel in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee have been checked." Captain Brian Chance, from the local police force, said the mum "expressed concern because Decker reportedly had never done this before and … is currently experiencing some mental health issues." He added: "What prompted her to call us was that ... he was late returning the girls and had not communicated to her that he was going to be late, which was his typical fashion and so this was out of the ordinary." Decker and his wife have been divorced for several years but he had been allowed to see his daughters every other weekend during specific hours - the dad had been known to stay at motels and camping sites after he lost his home. His ex-wife claimed Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and she believed he did not take medication for it, according to court documents. The dad transferred to the Washington National Guard eight years after joining the army. He was a full-time member of the Guard for two or three years until, in 2024, he went part time. However, the military confirmed today Decker stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge for him.
