A father known for his survival skills, Travis Decker, is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters, which has left local authorities feeling increasingly frustrated, especially as time passes in their search efforts in the Washington wilderness.
“I’m still angry,” said Chelan County Sheriff Deputy Mike McLeod. “He’s still out there.” Decker, 33, a former Army member, is suspected of killing his daughters, aged 9, 8, and 5. Their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing on May 30 after they failed to return from a court-imposed visit with him.
Three days later, an email directed authorities to Decker’s white GMC pickup at Rock Island Campground, where family members suggested he might have taken the girls camping. “At that point, it was still a missing persons case,” McLeod recounted. “I knew what was going on, but then things took a darker turn.”
During a search on his dirt bike, McLeod found the vehicle and soon discovered the bodies of the three girls nearby, their hands bound and plastic bags over their heads.
“There was nothing we could do for them,” McLeod said, expressing his frustration at not locating Decker. A seasoned deputy, he found Decker’s wallet—”the only one” he said—in the vicinity.
About a mile from where the girls were found, officials located an abandoned orange tent. “It looked like it belonged to someone homeless,” McLeod noted, mentioning the torn floor and the cooler that had been neatly positioned nearby.
While investigators suspect the tent may be associated with Decker, it remains unclear who originally owned it. Local, state, and federal agencies are continuing their collaborative search through the wilderness, facing numerous challenges in their efforts.
“We can’t access the river yet due to the spring runoff,” Morrison explained, which hinders their operations at Shikul River. With ongoing tips pouring in from neighboring counties regarding Decker’s whereabouts, some leads have intensified, although the overall flow has diminished recently.
“There’ve been a few break-ins and some items missing from campsites,” Morrison mentioned. “We’re still tracking down those tips, but they’ve cooled off a bit.” The search has also shifted to using cadaver dogs, which may indicate a grim turn in the investigation.
“It really looks like he could be dead,” Morrison speculated. “Can he survive out there? Perhaps. But as time goes on and no signs emerge, it becomes less likely.”
The U.S. Forest Service is now leading the month-long search along with local law enforcement and SWAT teams. “We have to manage our resources wisely,” Morrison said, adding that those who vanish often gravitate toward populated areas for supplies.
Court documents reveal Decker was homeless at the time of the tragic events, oscillating between motel accommodations and camping, while dealing with mental health issues. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated first-degree murder.
Authorities describe Decker as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. While he is considered armed and dangerous, officials believe he doesn’t pose a threat to the general public.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
