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Authorities say there is now no evidence that Travis Decker, the former U.S. soldier wanted in connection with the murders of his three young daughters, is still alive, more than three weeks after the manhunt began.
Decker, 32, failed to return Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) to their mother after a scheduled visit earlier this month. Their bodies were discovered at a remote campsite near Leavenworth, Washington, alongside Decker’s abandoned truck. Since then, a multi-agency search of the rugged terrain has yielded no confirmed sightings of the fugitive father.
A group of hikers did report seeing a man matching his description shortly after the bodies were discovered, but the suspect evaded capture. That sighting remains unverified.
Authorities: “Decker May Be Dead or Gone”
In a statement posted to social media, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said:
“There is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area. Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching. Still, we can’t and won’t quit this search. Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice.”
Dogs trained to locate human remains have now been deployed across the region.
Sheriff’s Inspector Chris Whitsett added:
“Because of the ruggedness and remoteness of that country, it’s clear that the longer he stays out there — whether he intends it or not — the greater the chance that he will die.”
Complex Terrain Hindering Search
The vast wilderness of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, including Chelan and Kittitas counties, poses a formidable challenge to search teams. The area is crisscrossed by abandoned mines, remote cabins, dense forests, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico.
Authorities say Decker, an Army infantry veteran who served from 2013 to 2021, would have the survival skills necessary to temporarily hide, but may have underestimated the harsh conditions. Police are now working with the U.S. Marshals Service to determine whether he may have left the region.
Public Asked to Remain Vigilant
Law enforcement has reiterated that Decker remains a danger to the public until found and are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
