After a thorough three-week investigation in the mountainous regions of Washington state, authorities report no evidence suggesting that Travis Decker, wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters, remains in the vicinity or is still alive.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office stated that their focus has shifted towards searching for Decker’s body, fueled by increasing concerns that he might have perished in the wilderness. On Tuesday, Sheriff’s Inspector Chris Whitsett mentioned that the search has now expanded to include specially trained dogs to sniff out human remains.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, officers from the Wenatchee Police Department found the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker close to the Rock Island Campground on June 2.
Police suspect that Decker killed them during a planned visitation and then fled the area.
”Because of the ruggedness, the remoteness of the of that country, and some of the conditions that we’ve observed, it’s clear that the longer he stays out there — the longer anybody stays out there — the greater the chance that something’s gonna happen, and whether he intends it or not, that he’s gonna die,” Whitsett said Tuesday.
AP News reports that the U.S. Marshals Service is actively pursuing Decker and considering also the possibility that he may have left the region. Extra patrols have been put in place to support the search efforts.
The murders happened in Chelan County, but the area is linked to Kittitas County and the Pacific Crest Trail—which extends from Canada to Mexico—through backcountry trails.
In their search for Decker, authorities are actively calling on the public for help. They are encouraging residents to remain watchful in backcountry areas and to examine any security or game camera footage on their properties for potential sightings.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
Decker is described as a white male who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs around 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
“Due to safety concerns, do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” police previously said of Decker, who has extensive military training.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845, or submit information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Whitney Decker/Facebook]
