Travis Decker’s Alleged Crimes and Search Efforts
Travis Decker seems to have had something in mind at least a week prior to the tragic deaths of three young girls who reportedly searched online for “How to Move to Canada” and “Jobs Canada.”
On Monday, May 26th, Decker, 32, was seen browsing the Canadian government’s “Find Jobs” webpage.
The children—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and 5-year-old Olivia—went missing after their custody visit ended on the previous Friday when their father failed to return them home, as reported by Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney.
The girls’ bodies were later discovered near a remote campsite about 170 miles over the Canadian border, alongside Decker’s abandoned truck. One of the girls was found with a plastic bag over her head. Preliminary assessments suggest the sisters likely died from asphyxiation.
This week, investigators secured numerous search warrants for Decker’s Google account after making these grim discoveries, according to an affidavit filed Thursday.
In court documents, it was noted that the children’s remains were located just 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, which leads directly into Canada. There are indications that Decker might have thought he was fleeing to escape legal repercussions.
Decker, a former military officer, has skills in survival and navigation through difficult terrain. According to the affidavit, he had been living in his car, and his mental health appeared to have declined significantly.
He was often found engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and camping, sometimes disappearing into the woods for as long as two and a half months.
Currently, remote areas of the state are temporarily off-limits while search operations continue. Notably, the Enchant Trail and several mountain regions are closed to the public until at least June 18th, alongside certain campsites and trails in North Cascade National Park and along the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has advised residents in nearby areas to secure their properties and keep blinds opened to assist in ongoing searches.
Law enforcement has also urged the public not to attempt to contact Decker, as his armament status remains unknown. A reward of $20,000 is being offered for tips leading to his arrest.
