Authorities in Washington State, United States, have launched a large-scale manhunt for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is wanted in connection with the brutal killing of his three young daughters. The girls—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were found dead on June 2 at a remote campground in the state, days after their mother reported them missing.
According to the Wenatchee Police Department, Decker is being sought on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder. Police believe he may be hiding in the mountainous, heavily wooded areas of Washington, using his military and survivalist training to avoid capture.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, during a press conference on Wednesday, described Decker as highly dangerous and warned the public not to approach him. “He poses a significant risk if approached,” Morrison said. “We want a peaceful resolution, but we’re not giving up our efforts. Let’s wrap this up and do what’s right for your kids.”
The tragic incident began on May 30, when the children’s mother reported them missing after Decker failed to return them from a scheduled visit. She said he had also stopped answering her calls. Following a frantic search, authorities found the girls’ lifeless bodies at a remote campsite just days later.
Investigators say the children appear to have died from suffocation. Police also discovered Decker’s mobile phone and truck at the site, but there was no sign of the suspect.
Authorities say Decker, who is believed to have undergone mountain survival training during his time in the military, may have pre-planned the crime. “It sounds like at times he would go out and be off-grid for up to two and a half months,” Sheriff Morrison said, adding that Decker may have hidden food and other supplies in the forest beforehand.
The manhunt for Decker now includes multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, which on Wednesday announced a \$20,000 (₦30 million) reward for any information that leads to his arrest.
Authorities have shut down sections of national forests and popular hiking areas in the region as the search intensifies. Helicopters, drones, tracking dogs, and special search teams are involved in combing the terrain.
Despite the scale of the operation, police admit that Decker’s survival skills and knowledge of the land have made the search extremely difficult.
So far, police have not released any information on what may have led Decker to commit such a horrific act. “I don’t think any motive would be acceptable,” Sheriff Morrison said. “Clearly, it’s not the decision of a sound mind.”
Family members and locals have expressed shock and sorrow over the deaths. Many say they are struggling to come to terms with how a father could be accused of such a crime against his own children.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Decker’s whereabouts to come forward. Sheriff Morrison made a direct appeal to the suspect: “Travis, please turn yourself in. This has gone on long enough.”
