The search for Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three daughters, intensified this week as authorities continued their efforts to locate him. Decker is accused of suffocating his daughters, Olivia, 5, Evelyn, 8, and Paityn, 9, during a court-ordered joint custody visitation on May 30. On June 2, U.S. law enforcement found the bodies of the young girls at a vacant campsite. This site was only a couple miles from where they found Decker’s truck.
The heartbreaking story has led major media outlets to cover the growing fears for public safety as Decker is still loose. Authorities found him so dangerous that they’re using huge resources to chase him down. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison has always said they’re going to find Decker. Beyond that, he is deeply committed to achieving justice on behalf of the still living victims.
Details of the Incident
• Decker’s daughters were first reported missing when their mother did not return them after a scheduled visitation. Alarm grew when the girls hadn’t been found by the time they would have been dropped off at home. They reported her missing, and authorities organized a search that found an abandoned camp. There, they discovered the bodies lying within sight—almost 100 yards out—of Decker’s empty truck. This grisly discovery has sent shockwaves through the small local community and further prompted speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the girls’ suspicious and tragic deaths.
Further investigators discovered zip ties and plastic bags littered the area, supporting suspicions that this was no ordinary crime. For example, a bloody fingerprint on the tailgate of Decker’s truck matched his DNA profile, thus placing him at the scene. To make matters worse, the authorities found Decker’s dog on the property, making the investigation even more complex.
The timeline of events virtually guarantees premeditation. Only days before this tragic incident, Decker had allegedly been looking online to find out how to permanently move to Canada. This information is deeply troubling and speaks to the defendant’s premeditated plan to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Sheriff Morrison has emphasized the extensive resources dedicated to locating Decker, stating, “We feel that we have the right assets, resources and people on the ground that will match his abilities, if not surpass it.” Search operations have involved both ground teams and aerial support, though difficult terrain and seasonal runoff have hindered progress.
Authorities think Decker might be attempting to wade his way through dense nearby wilderness regions. This crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, a nearly 2,650-mile path that eventually stretches clear to the Canadian border. Sheriff Morrison noted, “Because we’ve had spring runoff, it was not a safe environment to put our team into.” This has led to immediate concerns about Decker’s mobility, and where he might be able to escape to.
Despite these challenges, law enforcement remains resolute. “I don’t think that he’s going to get any rest because we’re going to continue to cycle in fresh resources,” Morrison stated. The sheriff acknowledged that while they are aware of Decker’s survival training, they are not underestimating their capabilities: “We’re not going to glorify his abilities. We’re not suggesting that he’s the new special forces guru.”
Community Response and Safety Concerns
Throughout the ongoing search, community members have mourned and protested the heinous ignominy. Thousands have flocked to social media to express their condolences, and many have continued to keep a lookout, reporting any sightings to law enforcement. Sheriff Morrison remarked on the importance of community involvement in cases like this: “This is typically how cases like this are brought to an end – is that we have someone that remained observant, saw something, reported it.”
Authorities ask people to stay vigilant and report any tips that may help find Decker. The sheriff conveyed a sense of urgency regarding public safety: “We continue to be here, and we want to be the voice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia and make sure that justice is served.”
