'Beyond a nightmare': Manhunt for Travis Decker continues more than 2 weeks later
The manhunt for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran wanted in connection with the brutal slayings of his daughters, who were found dead earlier this month, entered just over two weeks on Tuesday, June 17.
The children's mother, Whitney Decker, reported the girls missing on Friday, May 30, after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned visit with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday, June 16, that their deputies and tactical teams were looking for Decker in the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas. In an online social media post, the department was asking residents to be alert for anyone suspicious.
The U.S. Marshals Service is now the primary agency leading the search for Decker, conducting in depth investigations, interviews and assessments while deploying personnel on the scene, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Tuesday, June 17.
The joint local, state and federal multi-jurisdictional hunt for Decker continued after deputies discovered the girls' bodies on June 2 at Rock Island Campground.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied.
On June 17, Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier called the case "beyond a nightmare" and reminded people to take care of one another, "no matter the circumstances."
"Heartbreaking and unimaginable... the Decker case has shaken all of us," Poirier told USA TODAY. "My heart is with the family, and I encourage everyone to respond with empathy, unity, and support for one another.”
Here's what to know about the case so far.
What date were the Decker girls reported missing?
State officials issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) for the school-age sisters on May 31.
Washington State Patrol was originally contacted on May 30 to request an Amber Alert, but the situation "did not meet the required criteria" at the time, Wenatchee police said.
The girls' father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached."
Court filings obtained by USA TODAY say Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues before the girls' deaths.
What does Travis Decker look like?
Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8" and weighing 190 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Has Travis Decker been caught?
Authorities have not managed to locate and arrest Decker as of the evening of Tuesday, June 17.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office debunked a TikTok video that portrays Sheriff Morrison claiming that Decker was arrested after a long standoff.
"To be clear, Mr. Decker is not in custody and CCSO had no part in making the video," the office's Facebook page wrote.
Is Travis Decker a threat to the public?
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said it has no additional information to suggest that Decker poses an active threat to public safety.
However, authorities warn that Decker should be considered armed and dangerous, warning the public not to approach him directly.
"We still encourage everyone who is outside recreating to remain vigilant and report any suspicious information to law enforcement," the sheriff's office wrote on Tuesday, June 17.
Is there a reward for Travis Decker's arrest?
Travis Decker is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree kidnapping and three counts of first-degree custodial interference, police said.
Authorities are asking for the community's assistance in locating him. As of June 17, the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
Alleged Travis Decker sightings
In the days after police announced the hunt for Decker, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY there had been dozens of alleged Decker sightings, including one investigated by the McCall Police Department in Idaho.
The agency said it received reports of someone who looked like Decker in the western part of the Gem State. The small resort town of McCall is about 450 miles southeast of where the search for Decker is currently focused.
Morrison told USA TODAY his office and law enforcement in Idaho had deemed the reports uncredible.
Police could not say whether Decker was armed while on the lam.
Anyone who sees him or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Anthony Robledo covers national trending news for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected].