The search for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old survivalist in Washington state, has intensified as authorities warn he may be trying to flee to Canada. Decker, who is accused of murdering his three young daughters, was last seen wearing a green or tan shirt and dark shorts. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released new photos of Decker, highlighting his tattoos, haircut, and wardrobe, as authorities continue the search for the man who is described as dangerous and potentially armed. The National Guard has been deployed to assist in the manhunt, which includes combing through large swaths of wilderness in search of Decker.
Decker was last seen at a Chelan County campground where his daughters were found dead with plastic bags over their heads and bound wrists. The girls are believed to have died from asphyxiation, and police found two bloody handprints on the tailgate of Decker’s vehicle. Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, told police that the girls had not returned from a court-ordered visit three days after a visit with their father. According to court documents, Decker was permitted to visit the girls every other weekend but not overnight, and he failed to drop them off with their mother by the 8 p.m. curfew on Friday, May 30. His ex-wife was unable to reach him during this time.
Authorities are uncertain whether Decker is armed but insist he is considered dangerous. Decker is charged with three counts each of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping, and if convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Federal officials have released an affidavit confirming that Decker’s Google searches included terms such as ‘how does a person move to Canada,’ ‘how to relocate to Canada,’ and ‘jobs Canada,’ suggesting he may be planning to flee the country. The U.S. Marshals Service has issued a warning that he could be hiding in remote areas of the U.S. or Canada.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has pledged to provide helicopter support for law enforcement conducting searches in remote areas, expressing his condolences to the families involved. ‘As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia’s mom, Whitney, and all those who love them,’ Ferguson wrote on X. The brutal murder of these young children has shocked the state, and he is committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for the victims. Decker’s home life has been described as unstable, with him living in motels and campgrounds and having mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, according to the affidavit.
Local, state, and federal officials continue to search for Decker, who is described as standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. The search has involved multiple agencies, with hundreds of law enforcement officers combing through wooded areas and structures. Authorities are still gathering information and tips from the public, and they are acting upon leads developed through search warrants. The case has drawn national attention, with media outlets reporting on the details of the crime and the ongoing manhunt for Decker. The tragic deaths of the three young children have left the community and the nation in shock and mourning.