Manhunt for Father Accused of Killing Daughters

A father from Washington, Travis Decker, is the subject of a manhunt after being accused of murdering his three daughters. Authorities believe he may be hiding in the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas.

Law enforcement began searching these areas late Monday night, focusing efforts around where Decker is thought to be. The sheriff’s office issued a warning, asking residents to secure their homes and report any suspicious activity to 911.

The search intensified after investigators discovered the bodies of Decker’s daughters—Evelyn, age 8, and Olivia, age 5—near the Rock Island campground. They had not returned from a court-approved visit with their father. This tragic discovery led to federal assistance in the manhunt as local authorities handed over operations to federal agencies.

Governor Bob Ferguson also deployed state security forces to aid in the search, including helicopter support to navigate through the dense woods where Decker is believed to be hiding. There’s a pressing need to recharge local resources while still maintaining an active pursuit for Decker.

Previously, officials found substantial evidence in Decker’s abandoned GMC pickup truck. His dog was discovered there and later taken to the local Humane Society. The investigation also revealed that the girls died by suffocation, which has now been officially ruled a murder.

Authorities have released new images showing Decker’s tattoos, as he is considered dangerous—though it’s unclear if he is armed. He is described as being about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds.

Last week, prosecutors formally charged him with first-degree murder. Decker, an experienced survivalist with a military background, is presumed to have vanished into the wilderness following the tragic murders. The girls’ bodies were found with their wrists bound, raising further alarm among investigators.

According to an affidavit, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney, has been diagnosed with mental health issues but had always returned their children after visits. This situation has unfolded into a deeply distressing case, raising questions not just about the acts themselves, but also about the tragic circumstances surrounding the family.

If he is convicted, Decker faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Authorities continue their search, hoping for a swift resolution to this harrowing case that has captured public attention.