Authorities are intensifying their efforts to locate Travis Decker, a father accused of murdering his three children, after reportedly honing in on his whereabouts around the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 region in Washington state.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, according to FOX 13 Seattle, received information from hikers who noticed a lone individual in the Enchantments area. This person appeared ill-equipped for the surroundings and deliberately avoided contact with others. Search teams deployed and identified an off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake. The individual reportedly darted out of view as the helicopter approached.
In response, additional resources, including K9 units, were deployed, and traced the person to Ingalls Creek Trailhead area on Highway 97.
The Wenatchee Police Department announced that on June 2, officers found 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker deceased near the Rock Island Campground, as previously covered by CrimeOnline.
Police suspect that Decker killed them during a planned visitation and then fled the area.
Investigators found the girls roughly 75 to 100 yards down an embankment, with zip ties and plastic bags scattered nearby. Court documents stated that the girls’ wrists were or appeared to be zip-tied, and each had a bag over her head, indicating they had been suffocated.
Meanwhile, the US Border Patrol is reportedly leading operations and command in the search, while the sheriff’s office and its regional partners remain available to assist as needed.
Officials warned that Decker is a former ranger in the US Army and has extensive survivalist training. He should not be approached if seen.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
A conference is scheduled for June 11 at the Chelan County Courthouse, at 4 p.m.
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
