The search for Travis Decker, a military-trained survivalist accused of murdering his three daughters, has continued for more than three weeks as authorities in Washington intensify their efforts to locate him. Federal and state law enforcement officials are searching through the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas, where the bodies of Decker’s three daughters were found near a campsite. The incident has sparked widespread concern about the safety and well-being of children, especially within families where there are potential threats.
Decker, a former member of the Washington National Guard, is being sought on charges of three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. The U.S. Marshals Service is leading the hunt, with the National Guard providing aerial search efforts and surveillance. The search has also drawn in the public, with authorities urging individuals to check cameras and residences for any suspicious activity. The manhunt has been complicated by the possibility that Decker may have changed his appearance, as highlighted in recent updated flyers released by authorities.
Authorities have released new flyers depicting Decker with and without facial hair, and wearing a baseball hat, as part of an effort to identify him. The recent sighting of a lone off-trail hiker near Colchuck Lake, which is approximately 40 miles from Blewett Pass, has added to the urgency of the search. Despite the extensive efforts, authorities continue to warn that Decker is considered armed and dangerous, though they do not believe he poses a threat to public safety. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
The case has raised broader questions about the potential risks associated with individuals who have military training and expertise in wilderness survival. The authorities are working closely with the public to ensure that all possible leads are followed up on, and the search continues as the investigation into the crimes committed by Decker unfolds. The search for Decker remains a priority for local and federal law enforcement, with the hope that public assistance will be key in bringing him to justice.