Manhunt for Father Accused of Killing Daughters Intensifies

A father in Washington, Travis Decker, is now the focus of a manhunt following allegations of murdering his three daughters. Authorities believe he may be hiding in a remote area, particularly around the Ingalls Creek and Valley High regions.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reported that they began honing in on Decker’s location late Monday night after receiving tips from a group of hikers. These hikers claimed to have come across an individual who seemed ill-equipped for the local trails and weather, and who was avoiding other people.

The sheriff’s office shared, “We recently got information from hikers who spotted someone who appeared to be alone and avoiding others while in the Enchantment area.”

Federal and State Officials Join the Search

Search efforts escalated when the CCSO passed the case to US Border Patrol. Meanwhile, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson mobilized state resources, including helicopter support, as teams navigated through the region’s dense forests.

The area of interest is approximately 30 miles from where the bodies of Decker’s daughters, Evelyn, aged 8, and Olivia, aged 5, were discovered. This tragic finding occurred just three days after a court-sanctioned visitation with their father, after which they did not return to their mother.

Further complicating the case, the CCSO reported finding substantial evidence in Decker’s abandoned pickup truck, where his dog was also located. Authorities stated that the CCSO coroner confirmed the girls had succumbed to suffocation, resulting in a ruling of murder.

Who is Travis Decker?

Travis Decker, an experienced survivalist and former military personnel, now faces first-degree murder charges. The prosecutor’s office issued an indictment last week. Reports indicate that the girls were found at a campsite with their wrists tied and plastic bags present.

Interestingly, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney, has dealt with mental health challenges, but she consistently returned their children after visitations. The authorities have described him as being around 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture; he’s considered armed and dangerous.

If ultimately convicted, Decker faces a grim future with a possible life sentence without parole.