U.S. Marshals Intensify Manhunt for Army Veteran Accused in Triple Murder
The U.S. Marshals Service has deployed specialized teams to intensify the manhunt for Travis Decker, a former Army infantryman accused of murdering his three daughters in Washington state. The elite Rapidly Advancing Manhunt (RAM) program is fully engaged in the effort to capture Decker, who is believed to be hiding in the rugged wilderness areas of Chelan County. This high-profile case has drawn significant public and media attention, with authorities coordinating extensive efforts to locate the suspect.
More than 100 officers from federal, state, and local agencies are actively involved in the manhunt, which includes aerial surveillance, tracking dogs, and backcountry patrols. The Marshals Service is offering up to $20,000 for information directly leading to Decker’s arrest. This reward is part of a broader strategy to incentivize citizens to provide tips and to cover the costs of the extensive search operation.
Authorities have confirmed that the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has assumed the role of lead investigative agency in the case, following a shift from the Wenatchee Police Department. This change in jurisdiction comes as the investigation continues to focus on the rugged wilderness areas where Decker was last seen. Law enforcement sources have indicated that the search is intensifying as new evidence and tips emerge.
On Tuesday, June 10, authorities announced that they were narrowing down the possible locations where Decker could be hiding, following a tip from a group of hikers who reported spotting a man in the Enchantments area who appeared ill-prepared for the trail and weather conditions. The sheriff’s office described the man as acting evasively, raising suspicions about his identity. Subsequent searches by air and on the ground led to the discovery of a trail, which was used to navigate toward Ingalls Creek, where further evidence may be found.
Decker, a former Army infantryman with survivalist skills, is believed to have used his knowledge of the wilderness to evade capture. Authorities have warned that he is dangerous and armed, urging residents to avoid any confrontation with him. Sheriff Mike Morrison emphasized the challenge of tracking Decker, stating,