Manhunt continues in Chelan County woods for military-trained father accused of killing daughters
Jun 5, 2025, 11:59 AM | Updated: 12:08 pm
Travis Decker was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark shorts. (Photos courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office)
(Photos courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office)
The search continues for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters at a campground near Leavenworth. Authorities warn that his advanced military training could help him survive for months in the remote wilderness.
Decker’s survival skills, which he gained during a 2014 deployment to Afghanistan, are proving to be obstacles for search teams. However, law enforcement is hopeful he will be spotted. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released a photo depicting his tattoos.
A photo clearly showing Travis Decker’s tattoos. (Photo courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff’s office is also asking citizens who own cabins or live near remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties to be aware Decker is on the run.
“We are asking for those owners to lock all of their doors, to include any sheds, outbuildings, and leave their window blinds open, and we recommend leaving outside lights on,” the agency stated.
Military training complicates Travis Decker manhunt
A former U.S. Army Ranger with specialized training in mountain warfare and wilderness survival, Decker is believed to have escaped into the thick forests of central Washington. The bodies of his daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), were found Monday near his abandoned vehicle at the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee.
Search crews from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office are continuing an intensive ground and aerial search with helicopters, drones, and tracking teams.
“He’s specifically trained in mountain warfare,” crime reporter Steve 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.”
Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed during a press conference Wednesday that Decker is “well-versed in wilderness survival,” and that law enforcement believes he may have taken gear from his vehicle before vanishing into the forest.
“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.”
Decker was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. A recently released Ring video shows him picking up his daughters—the last confirmed sighting of them alive.
Authorities investigate possible sightings
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A possible sighting was reported Wednesday by the McCall Police Department in Idaho via Instagram, however, it was confirmed to be a false alarm. Law enforcement is examining a cellphone found at the scene, which may offer new clues about Decker’s movements after the crime.
Decker was reportedly homeless and struggling with PTSD. His ex-wife cited mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and anger management concerns, during their divorce proceedings. He is still part of the Washington Army National Guard, but officials said they had already started the process of removing him from the military due to previous behavioral problems.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Authorities ask anyone with relevant tips to call the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit tips online.
If someone sees Decker, they are asked to call 911, according to the sheriff’s office.
“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.
Decker, who faces six felony charges, three counts of first-degree aggravated murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.
Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
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