The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is asking the public to assist in locating Travis Decker, a suspect in a triple homicide who may have been sighted recently in the Sawtooth National Forest.
According to a recent announcement, the U.S. Marshals received a tip on July 5 from a family reporting a sighting of someone resembling Decker in the Bear Creek vicinity of the Sawtooth National Forest. This area is located southeast of Stanley and north of Fairfield.
The family described the individual as a white male, approximately 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a ponytail and unkempt beard. He was seen wearing a black mesh cap, a cream-colored shirt, black gauge earrings, and possibly either “Converse or Vans low top shoes,” according to FOX 13’s report.
He was seen wearing a black watch and carrying a black JanSport backpack.
The man didn’t want to make eye contact with the family, according to what they told police.
The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force and Camas County Sheriff’s Office are currently searching the area and warn the public to refrain from pitching up hitchhikers, NBC Right Now reports.
They’re also urging the public to refrain from using drones in the air, which could hinder the search efforts.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Wenatchee Police Department said officers then discovered 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker dead near the Rock Island Campground on June 2.
Police suspect that Decker killed them during a planned visitation and then fled. Search teams continue to comb through wilderness in search of Decker, but can’t confirm yet whether he’s alive or whether he left the area.
AP News reports that the U.S. Marshals Service is actively pursuing Decker and also considering 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.
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]
