Law enforcement authorities are focusing their efforts on locating Travis Decker, a father who has been accused of murdering his three children. The search has led them to the area around Blewett Pass/Highway 97 in the state of Washington.
Reports from FOX 13 Seattle indicate that the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from hikers who noticed an individual by themselves in the Enchantments area. This person seemed ill-prepared for the weather conditions and was seen actively avoiding contact with others. Tracking teams were deployed and managed to spot an off-trail hiker from a helicopter close to Colchuck Lake. However, the person fled out of sight upon the helicopter’s approach.
In response, additional resources, including K9 units, were deployed, and traced the person to Ingalls Creek Trailhead area on Highway 97.
Earlier reports from CrimeOnline revealed that the Wenatchee Police Department made a tragic discovery of the lifeless bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker 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.
Feature Photo via Whitney Decker/Facebook
