Chelan County authorities pursue multiple leads in search for Army Ranger accused of killing daughters

The search for Travis Decker, the 32-year-old father accused of murdering his three young daughters, Olivia, 5 years old, Evelyn, 8 years old, and Paityn, 9 years old, at a campground near Leavenworth, intensified Tuesday.

The search involved U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshal’s Office, using helicopters and drones to aid in the search above the dense forest. Authorities have also announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest.

New video obtained by KIRO 7 shows Decker on Ring camera footage the day he picked up his three daughters, the last time they were seen alive.

Deputies release photos, surveillance video of Travis Decker; police investigate possible sighting. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

A possible sighting was reported Wednesday afternoon by the McCall Police Department in Idaho via Instagram, but it was not Decker, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed during a press conference Wednesday.

However, law enforcement is following up on multiple new leads as they come out. They are also going through a cell phone that was found at the scene.

Wenatchee law enforcement

At a separate press conference held on the steps of the Chelan County Courthouse in Wenatchee, law enforcement urged the public to assist in locating Decker, described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds, with black hair, a mustache, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911 immediately. Decker is considered dangerous, though it is unclear if he is armed.

Travis Decker was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark shorts. (Photos courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office)

“We are unsure if Mr. Decker is currently alive, so we are taking it that he is still out there,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. “We will not rest until we’ve located him, whether he’s alive or he’s dead, we want to make sure he’s brought back.”

Morrison also urged the public to avoid Icicle Road near the Rock Island Campground. The area is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. Even though road barricades blocking the road were removed, Morrison warned Decker “could be anywhere.”

Morrison also said deputies checked other campgrounds and motels in the area Monday, and found no sign of Decker.

Decker’s U.S. Army Ranger history

One concern for search crews is Decker’s extensive military training as a former U.S. Army Ranger. Online crime reporter, Steve Hickey, reported that there is speculation Decker grabbed gear from his vehicle before leaving the murder scene, possibly escaping into the woods.

“He’s specifically trained in mountain warfare,” Hickey said. “They are extremely concerned about what this man is capable of. According to his training, he is able to sustain himself for months on end, and he is capable of continuing on.”

Decker is “well-versed in wilderness survival,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release Wednesday.

“Although this can be a challenge while searching for him, our personnel are well equipped and prepared to seek and apprehend him,” the sheriff’s office added.

WSP Amber Alert

As the initial search for the girls was launched Friday afternoon, questions arose about why the Washington State Patrol (WSP) did not issue an Amber Alert.

According to WSP spokesperson Chris Loftis, a request from Wenatchee Police for the Amber Alert was denied because the case did not initially meet the “imminent danger” criteria. Instead, WSP issued an Endangered Missing Person alert on social media, then canceled the alert when investigators discovered the girls’ bodies.

In this case, because Decker had custodial rights, WSP says they couldn’t make a legal presumption that he abducted his children or that the children were in danger. Wenatchee police said they had no evidence that Decker might abuse, harm, or threaten his daughters. Instead, with help from the FBI, Wenatchee investigators used phone location data to track Decker Thursday through Friday, plotting locations in and around Leavenworth. On Monday, Chelan Deputies combed the area and came across Decker’s abandoned car and the bodies.

As for the ongoing search for Decker, at one point during the press conference, Sheriff Morrison said directly to Decker, “This is your opportunity to turn yourself in. Do the right thing, do what you need to do, and take accountability for your actions. We’re not going away, we’re not going to rest, and we’re going to make sure we find you.”

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest; KIRO 7

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