The Washington National Guard has been deployed to assist in the manhunt for Travis Caleb Decker, a survivalist father accused of killing his three young daughters. This dramatic deployment comes after the tragic discovery of the children’s bodies at a campground in Chelan County, where the bodies were found approximately 75 to 100 yards from Decker’s abandoned truck. The National Guard’s involvement underscores the severity of the situation, with authorities working to secure and search remote areas where Decker may be hiding.
Authorities reported that over 100 officers are actively involved in the search, with more than 500 tips coming in from the public. These tips have been instrumental in narrowing down Decker’s possible location. Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting law enforcement in this sensitive case, stating, “As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia’s mom, Whitney… The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state.” The National Guard is providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas.
The victims, a 5-year-old, 8-year-old, and 9-year-old, were found with plastic bags over their heads and bound wrists, believed to have died from asphyxiation. Surveillance footage and public tips continue to aid in the decision-making process for locating Decker. Decker, who is described as standing about 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, has tattoos on both arms and was recently photographed with a goatee and mustache.
Decker, a former military member who is an avid outdoorsman, is described as homeless and splits his time between motels and campgrounds. His ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reported that he had failed to return the children after a scheduled visitation, with court documents confirming that he was under a strict parenting plan that limited his visits. She also warned that Decker has mental health issues, including a history of borderline personality disorder.
Authorities have not yet identified a motive for the killings, with Sheriff Mike Morrison stating, “Clearly, it’s not the decision of a sound mind.” Decker is charged with three counts each of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. He is considered a dangerous fugitive, and authorities are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who sees Decker to avoid approaching him and instead call 911 immediately.
With the help of the National Guard, the search has expanded to cover remote and hard-to-reach areas, and authorities are working closely with neighboring counties in case Decker moves into their jurisdiction. The sheriff’s office has emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging homeowners and mountain cabin dwellers to secure their properties and maintain a visible presence. The emotional toll on the families and the broader community remains evident, with many expressing grief and anger over the tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the region.
This case has also sparked discussions about mental health, with Decker’s history of borderline personality disorder being a point of concern. While the full extent of his mental state is still under investigation, the tragedy highlights the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with such conditions. As the search continues, the focus remains on locating Decker and bringing justice to the victims and their families. The community is urged to remain vigilant and share any information that could aid in the apprehension of the suspect.