Manhunt for Travis Decker Intensifies Amid New Suspect Flyer
Travis Decker is wanted for the alleged murder and kidnapping of his three daughters, whose bodies were found near a Washington campground three days after a court-mandated visitation, prompting a widespread manhunt.
The case has taken a tragic turn as authorities allege that Decker, 37, committed three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping following a mandated visitation on May 30. His daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, were found dead with disturbing signs of foul play, raising concerns about his mental state and prompting an urgent search by U.S. Marshals and local authorities. With a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture, officials are warning the public that Decker is armed, considered dangerous, and may have altered his appearance while evading law enforcement.
On May 30, 2023, Travis Decker was granted a court-mandated visitation with his daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5). When he failed to return the children, their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing, initiating an urgent search by local authorities. The unsettling discovery of the girls' bodies three days later shocked the community and prompted immediate actions by law enforcement.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the bodies were found near a campground in Washington and had been marked by signs of foul play, as all three girls were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists secured with zip ties. This harrowing situation has escalated the manhunt for Travis Decker, who is now classified as a prime suspect in their deaths.
In the wake of the tragic incident, law enforcement officials have issued arrest warrants for Decker on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. The seriousness of these charges has led to a concerted effort involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Washington Army National Guard. The involvement of these organizations indicates the level of urgency attributed to finding Decker.
Authorities are particularly concerned for public safety, describing Decker as armed and dangerous. Moreover, he has a military background, which raises further alarm regarding his capabilities to evade capture. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, has black hair, and brown eyes. Officials are emphasizing that he may have altered his appearance to avoid detection while on the run.
An early lead in the search for Decker occurred when tracking teams believed they spotted him in the Blewett Pass area, although this has yet to be confirmed. To facilitate the search efforts, the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that could lead to Decker’s arrest. The authorities urge community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could help in locating him.
During the investigation, a TikTok video that falsely claimed Decker had already been taken into custody circulated online, causing confusion among the public. Law enforcement swiftly addressed the misinformation to remind citizens of the ongoing manhunt, reinforcing the importance of adhering to credible news sources.
Cozart, an attorney representing Whitney Decker, shared insights into Travis Decker's personal struggles, mentioning that he had faced mental health challenges, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Such revelations have sparked discussions regarding the potential impact of his mental health on the incidents surrounding the case.
Reports indicate that Decker was living homeless between campgrounds and motels prior to the deaths of his daughters. This transient lifestyle may have made it easier for him to evade law enforcement, presenting significant challenges in the search efforts.
As the investigation continues, the combined efforts of local law enforcement and federal agencies underscore the urgency of locating Travis Decker. The tragic loss of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia has left a profound impact on the community, and authorities remain focused on bringing justice for the young girls and ensuring public safety.