Hikers May Have Spotted Father Accused of Killing Daughters Hiding in Remote Wilderness

Authorities are closing in on a location where a missing Washington father, suspected of murdering his three daughters, is thought to be hiding. 

Officials involved in the search for Travis Decker started focusing on the Ingalls Creek and Valley High regions late on Monday night. This came after a tip-off from hikers who noticed someone on a nearby trail acting evasive and seemingly unprepared, as reported by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). 

“Our office received information from hikers who encountered a solitary hiker in the Enchantments area. The individual seemed unprepared for the trail and weather conditions and acted as if they were attempting to avoid contact with others,” stated the sheriff’s office in a press release. 

Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, 35, told police Decker suffers from mental health issues – including borderline personality disorder – but had always returned the couple’s children on time following a visit, according to a CCSO affidavit.  

Decker is described as standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest and have indicated he is considered to be armed and dangerous. 

If convicted, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.