Local and federal authorities are intensifying their search for Washington father Travis Decker, who is accused of murdering his three daughters. Decker was last seen after his daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—failed to return home following a court-authorized visit with him. Their bodies were discovered in a nearby local park three days later, with the cause of death ruled as suffocation, marking the case as a homicide.
The search for Decker, an experienced survivalist and former U.S. military member, has intensified with new lead investigations directed to the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas, approximately 30 miles from the location where the bodies were found. Federal authorities have taken over the manhunt, with local law enforcement continuing to lead the criminal investigation. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has warned residents to remain vigilant, advising them to secure their homes and report any suspicious activity.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has deployed the state’s national guard to assist in the search, providing helicopter support for transportation through the region’s dense wooded areas. The CCSO stated that the decision to involve federal agencies was made as the search reached a critical phase, with the need to rest and retrain local resources. Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reported that he had mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, but had always returned the children on time following visits.
Authorities have confirmed that Decker is considered a dangerous individual, with unknown status on whether he is armed. If convicted of the charges, which include aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Additionally, evidence found in Decker’s abandoned GMC pickup truck, including blood samples and personal items, has been analyzed by investigators, and his dog was placed under the care of the local humane society.