Cadaver Dog Deployed in Manhunt for Washington Father Accused of Killing Daughters
Authorities in Washington state say they are now considering the possibility that Travis Decker, the father accused of killing his three young daughters, may have died in the wilderness as the manhunt for him stretches into its fourth week.
Decker, 32, is wanted for the brutal murders 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. He vanished after failing to return the girls to their mother following a court-ordered visitation on May 30.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Monday that “there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area,” though search efforts continue across rugged terrain in Teenaway Valley, Liberty, Lauderdale, and Blewett Pass.
“Strong early leads gave way to less convincing clues,” the statement noted. “Still, we can’t and won’t quit this search.”
Authorities plan to bring in a cadaver dog this week to assist in the operation, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA Today. The sheriff’s office also said that some resources are now focused on recovering Decker’s remains, should he have perished during his escape attempt.
A Military-Trained Survivalist on the Run
Decker, a military-trained survivalist with a history of mental health struggles, had been living between his car and campgrounds in the wilderness. According to authorities, he is armed and dangerous, but not believed to pose a direct threat to the public.
Daughters Found Bound, Suffocated
Investigators said the girls’ bodies were found with plastic bags over their heads and wrists bound at Rock Island Campground. The horrific discovery came three days after their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing.
At a memorial service held June 20, Whitney spoke publicly for the first time.
“I truly hope the legacy of the girls lives on in everyone’s hearts forever,” she said. “They were incredible.”
Search Intensifies
The U.S. Marshals Service, Border Patrol Tactical Unit, and King County Sheriff’s Office have joined the manhunt. Newly released photos show marshals combing the Colchuck Lake region, one of Washington’s most remote and mountainous areas.
Dramatic images show camouflaged agents lying on cliffs with spotting scopes and helicopters flying over glacial lakes as teams continue to scour the wilderness for any sign of Decker.
Authorities have also released an updated wanted poster, with digitally altered images showing how Decker may have changed his appearance, including clean-shaven and wearing a baseball cap.
Online Misinformation and $20K Reward
Sheriff Morrison also addressed a fake video circulating on TikTok claiming Decker had been caught, saying in a post:
“To be clear, Mr. Decker is not in custody, and CCSO had no part in the video.”
Meanwhile, a $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
“We have a job to do,” said Sheriff Morrison. “If we fail, the voices of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia will not be heard. That’s not acceptable.”
Decker faces three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities immediately.
