Police continue their search for Travis Decker, a Washington state man accused of killing of his three young daughters earlier this month.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office reported late Monday night that the search is focused on the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas.
USA Today reports that the search is in “rural area inside the county where the girls were last reportedly seen alive.”
Residents have been urged to lock their homes and vehicles and stay alert. Deputies also warned that there will likely be an increased law enforcement presence in the area.
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.
The search for Decker has been ongoing for more than a week. In the process, law enforcement has shut down multiple roads, trails, and campgrounds and advised residents in remote areas to secure their homes.
Some of these roadways have since been reopened, according to FOX 13 Seattle.
According to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit, police are concerned Decker may be trying to flee the country. Officials uncovered online searches on May 26 for terms like “how to relocate to Canada” and “how does a person move to Canada.”
“The location of the victim’s remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly [to] Canada,” the affidavit stated.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has reportedly activated National Guard resources to help with the search.
Decker is described as a white male who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs around 190 pounds. He was last seen in dark shorts and a green shirt.
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.
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
