Washington authorities have launched a significant search for Travis Decker, a fugitive accused of murdering his three daughters, following a reported sighting near the Pacific Crest Trail. The operation, which included multiple agencies, ended without finding Decker, raising concerns about his whereabouts. Decker, a military-trained survivalist, has been on the run for over two months after the bodies of his daughters were found near his abandoned pickup truck. Authorities have warned that he is considered armed and dangerous but believe he does not pose an immediate threat to the public. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The search for Decker began after a community member reported a potential sighting near Snoqualmie Pass and the Pacific Crest Trail, approximately 55 miles from Seattle. Law enforcement deployed a large number of deputies, TAC-30 units, and K-9 teams in response. However, after three hours, the search was called off without success, indicating the challenge of tracking down a highly elusive suspect. This is not the first time Decker has been incorrectly identified; a previous tip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Forest also turned out to be a false alarm, further complicating the investigation.
Decker, 33, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping following the discovery of his daughters’ bodies at Rock Island Campground in June. Their mother reported them missing after a custody visit with Decker, and their bodies were found just steps away from his abandoned pickup truck, with their hands bound and plastic bags over their heads. Despite the extensive manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Border Patrol’s Tactical Unit, Decker remains at large. The ongoing search continues, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to his capture.