Law enforcement agencies are narrowing their search for Travis Decker, a father accused of killing his three children, after reportedly tracking him to the Blewett Pass/Highway 97 area in Washington state.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from hikers who spotted someone alone in the Enchantments area. The person appeared unprepared for the conditions and seemed to be avoiding others. Tracking teams responded and located a off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake. The person reportedly ran out of sight as the helicopter flew over.
In response, additional resources, including K9 units, were deployed, and traced the person to Ingalls Creek Trailhead area on Highway 97.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Wenatchee Police Department said officers discovered 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker dead near the Rock Island Campground on June 2.
Police suspect that Decker killed them during a planned visitation and then fled the area.
Investigators found the girls roughly 75 to 100 yards down an embankment, with zip ties and plastic bags scattered nearby. Court documents stated that the girls’ wrists were or appeared to be zip-tied, and each had a bag over her head, indicating they had been suffocated.
Meanwhile, the US Border Patrol is reportedly leading operations and command in the search, while the sheriff’s office and its regional partners remain available to assist as needed.
Officials warned that Decker is a former ranger in the US Army and has extensive survivalist training. He should not be approached if seen.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
A conference is scheduled for June 11 at the Chelan County Courthouse, at 4 p.m.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845, or submit information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
Check back for updates.
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Feature Photo via Whitney Decker/Facebook
