The nationwide manhunt for Travis Decker, the Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters, is reaching a critical point as police say they are “closing in” on his location.
Authorities Say “He Is Surrounded”
At a press conference on Wednesday, June 11, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison addressed the public with major updates. It’s been nine days since the bodies of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5) were discovered on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington. The girls were last seen alive on Friday, May 30, when they left for a court-approved visitation weekend with their father.
On June 3, local authorities located Decker’s vehicle abandoned near the campground. The girls were later found dead inside a nearby tent. According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), an autopsy revealed the cause of death as suffocation and confirmed the manner of death as homicide.
Police Track Decker to Blewett Pass Region
In a follow-up release on Tuesday, June 10, CCSO confirmed that search teams had tracked a person believed to be Decker to the Blewett Pass area, near Highway 97. Sheriff Morrison explained that investigators found key items of interest and are now focused on an increasingly narrow search zone.
“We believe we are closing in on his trail,” Morrison said, adding, “There is nowhere he’s going to go where we don’t have units waiting for him.”
Helicopter Sightings and K9 Tracking in Remote Terrain
Authorities received a credible tip from hikers in the Enchantments area who reported seeing a lone man who appeared to be avoiding contact and was ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions.
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A search helicopter later spotted a lone hiker near Colchuck Lake who fled the area on foot.
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K9 teams were deployed and followed the trail to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead, reinforcing belief that Decker is hiding in the wilderness nearby.
Despite the challenging terrain, Morrison is confident:
“Washington State knows who he is. He’s surrounded. He’s going to get tired. And when he makes a mistake, we’ll be there.”
Public Alert: Be Vigilant, Stay Safe
Sheriff Morrison urged hikers, tourists, and residents in the area to remain alert:
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Lock your doors
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Report suspicious activity immediately
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Avoid approaching anyone who appears to be hiding or unprepared for outdoor conditions
“We are a tourist destination, which works in our favor. More eyes on the trails means fewer places for him to hide.”
Charges Against Travis Decker
Travis Decker now faces multiple serious charges:
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3 counts of first-degree murder
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1 count of first-degree kidnapping
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Custodial interference
He remains at large, but authorities believe it’s only a matter of time before he is captured.
Support for the Family
A GoFundMe campaign organized to support the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, has raised over $1.2 million as of June 12. The funds will help cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and trauma support.
