A large-scale search operation ended without success Friday evening after authorities received a potential sighting of Travis Decker, the survivalist father wanted in connection with the alleged murders of his three young daughters. The search, which involved tactical teams and K-9 units, was centered near Washington's Snoqualmie Pass.
According to FOX 13, the King County Sheriff's Office mobilized after a community member reported spotting someone resembling Decker near the Pacific Crest Trail, approximately 55 miles from Seattle. The tip came in around 6 p.m. Friday, prompting an immediate response.
Authorities spent approximately three hours searching the area before calling off the operation when they failed to locate the fugitive. This latest development comes as the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, which initiated the original manhunt, has recently scaled back its search efforts due to decreasing tips from the public.
Military-Trained Father Eludes Capture For Over Two Months
The 33-year-old Decker, a former U.S. Army member with survivalist training, has been missing since early June when the bodies of his three daughters – Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 – were discovered at Rock Island Campground. The girls' remains were found near Decker's abandoned pickup truck with disturbing details indicating a planned attack.
Investigators discovered the children with their hands bound and plastic bags over their heads, prompting authorities to charge Decker with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. The girls had been reported missing by their mother after they failed to return from a court-mandated custody visit with their father.
Despite an extensive manhunt involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Border Patrol's Tactical Unit, Decker has successfully evaded capture. Law enforcement officials have warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous, though they maintain he does not pose a general threat to public safety.
False Sightings Complicate Ongoing Investigation
Last month, authorities faced disappointment after a promising tip about a potential sighting in Idaho's Sawtooth Forest proved to be a false alarm. Investigators located the individual who had been mistaken for Decker, confirming he was not the wanted fugitive.
This pattern of false sightings has complicated the search efforts, contributing to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office's decision to reduce the intensity of their manhunt. With fewer actionable tips coming in, resources have been reallocated while the investigation continues.
The U.S. Marshals Service is currently offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest, hoping to generate new leads in the case. Authorities continue to ask the public to report any potential sightings while remaining vigilant.
Challenging Search In Rugged Washington Wilderness
The search for Decker has been particularly challenging due to his military background and familiarity with survival techniques. The rugged terrain of the Washington wilderness provides ample hiding places and resources for someone with his training.
Federal authorities have released photos documenting the difficult conditions search teams face while looking for the fugitive father. The expansive wilderness areas offer numerous places where someone could potentially survive off-grid for extended periods.
The Pacific Crest Trail area where the latest potential sighting occurred features dense forests and challenging topography, making comprehensive searches extremely difficult. Search teams must cover vast areas of wilderness with limited resources.
