THE FBI has taken over the expansive search effort for Travis Decker, the father wanted in connection with the murders of his three young daughters.
Travis Decker, aged 33, vanished into the woods of Chelan County, Washington, after reportedly suffocating his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, on June 2.
On Monday, the FBI announced they are making comprehensive efforts to search the Rock Island Campground—Decker’s last known location and the site of his daughters’ bodies.
The federal agency said there is no evidence that Decker is alive or dead, but nonetheless will conduct a grid search operation of the area.
“Our objective is to uncover any evidence that might point to Travis Decker or provide information about his daughters’ murders by thoroughly examining the area,” stated Peter Orth, the FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in the Yakima/Tri-Cities Resident Agency.
The search effort will be bolstered by nearly 100 additional federal agents and other law enforcement personnel in pursuit of the suspected killer.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said his investigative unit and other agencies have pursued every lead it has received in regard to Decker.
The conditions are challenging, with steep terrain, thick brush, limited cell service, and unpredictable weather,” Morrison informed the press.
“In the last three months, investigative teams led by the sheriff’s office have followed every lead and searched vast and isolated areas, seeking Travis Decker or any evidence that might provide answers.
“This has been a painstaking and difficult task, and I want to personally commend all involved for their dedication.”
Orth, the FBI agent, said the federal agency’s grid operation will take place over the next two days.
“For almost three months, the investigators, led by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, have carefully followed hundreds of tips regarding the search for Travis Decker in this investigation,” Orth added.
“It’s taken us over rough terrain, difficult areas, multiple states, remote locations that are inaccessible.
“The residents and visitors of Chelan County know very well these areas are covered by vast dirt roads that stretch for miles, no cell phone service, and many other challenges.
“That effort gets more difficult as time goes on.”
MANHUNT INTENSIFIES
Among the other campgrounds that will be closed during the FBI’s search for Decker include, Chatter Creek Campground, Black Pine Horse Campground, and several other trails around the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The extensive 3.8-million-acre forest goes from the Canadian border to the Yakama Indian Reservation.
Chelan County officials said visitors will be prohibited from roaming around the campgrounds while crews try to search the rugged terrain.
Investigators have recently discovered new DNA evidence that confirmed Decker is the only suspect in the deaths of his three young daughters.
Decker’s DNA profile – and no one else’s – was found on the materials used to suffocate Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, authorities said.
The girls had plastic bags around their heads, and at least one of them had been restrained with zip ties, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said.
The Washington State Crime Lab matched Decker to the DNA found on all of the plastic bags covering his daughters’ heads on August 6.
His DNA was also found on one of the zip ties at the scene.
No other DNA profiles were on the bags or the cables.
“The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides,” CCSO said.
