Authorities in Washington state are expanding the manhunt for Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters, as the search enters its fourth week. With no confirmation that Decker is still alive, law enforcement will now deploy a cadaver dog in the rugged wilderness where he was last seen.
Decker, 32, is wanted for the deaths of his daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—whose bodies were discovered near his abandoned vehicle at a remote campground on June 2. The girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists bound, according to police.
Authorities Fear Decker May Have Died in the Wilderness
In a statement Monday night, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged, “There is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area.” However, the search continues in the Teenaway Valley, Liberty, Lauderdale, and Blewett Pass regions.
“Strong early leads have weakened over the last two weeks,” the statement added. “Still, we can’t and won’t quit this search.”
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed to USA Today that a cadaver dog will be used this week as officials shift some resources toward the possibility of recovering Decker’s remains.
Timeline of Tragedy
The manhunt began on May 30, after Decker failed to return his daughters from a court-ordered visitation. Three days later, their bodies were found at Rock Island Campground.
Decker, a military-trained survivalist with a history of mental health struggles, had reportedly been living out of his car and camping in the wilderness. Law enforcement believes he may have had an escape plan, based on troubling Google searches discovered during the investigation.
Mother Speaks Out
At a memorial service on June 20, the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, spoke publicly for the first time.
“I truly hope the legacy of the girls lives on in everyone’s heart forever,” she said. “They were incredible.”
Nationwide Search Intensifies
The U.S. Marshals Service, in coordination with the Border Patrol Tactical Unit and the King County Sheriff’s Office, has ramped up its search efforts. New images released this week show marshals navigating harsh terrain in the Colchuck Lake area—scanning snow-covered peaks and icy blue waters for any trace of Decker.
One dramatic photo shows a camouflaged marshal peering through a scope on a rocky outcrop. Another captures a helicopter hovering low above the lake while search teams patrol below.
Despite a TikTok video falsely claiming Decker had been arrested after a standoff, officials clarified that he remains at large.
Decker Considered Armed and Dangerous
Authorities stress that while Decker is considered dangerous, there is no current evidence suggesting he poses a threat to the general public.
He is wanted on three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
“We have a job to do,” said Sheriff Morrison. “If we fail, the voices of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia will not be heard. And that’s not something we’re willing to accept.”
