‘Items of Interest’ Discovered in Manhunt for Travis Decker as Search Intensifies in Washington Wilderness

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. — The manhunt for Travis Decker, the 32-year-old former soldier accused of the horrific murder of his three young daughters, has uncovered "items of interest" that authorities believe may belong to the fugitive, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday. As the search stretches into its third week across the rugged Cascade Mountains, Sheriff Mike Morrison vowed that law enforcement will "not give up" until Decker is apprehended.

Decker, a Washington National Guard member with extensive survivalist training, is wanted for three counts of aggravated murder and kidnapping following the deaths of his daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. The girls’ bodies were discovered on June 2 at a remote campsite near Leavenworth, approximately 75 to 100 yards from Decker’s truck. Autopsies confirmed the children died of asphyxiation, with court documents revealing their wrists were bound with zip ties and plastic bags were placed over their heads. The gruesome scene, marked by bloody handprints on the truck’s tailgate, has fueled a multi-agency effort to locate Decker, who has been on the run since May 30.

On Tuesday evening, a tip from hikers in the Enchantments area near Colchuck Lake reignited hope in the search. The hikers reported spotting a lone individual who appeared ill-prepared for the trail and was avoiding others. Tracking teams, supported by a National Guard helicopter, quickly responded, spotting an off-trail hiker who fled when approached by air. K9 units later traced the individual’s path to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead along Highway 97 in the Blewett Pass area, roughly 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth. While the "items of interest" were not detailed by authorities, Sheriff Morrison indicated they could provide critical leads in the ongoing investigation.

“We’re changing tactics to be more sustainable,” Morrison said during a Wednesday press conference at the Chelan County Courthouse, acknowledging the strain on local resources after weeks of searching hundreds of square miles. The operation, which has cost an estimated $2 million, has transitioned to federal oversight, with the U.S. Marshals Service and Border Patrol now leading efforts. Despite scaling back intensive aerial searches, Morrison emphasized that law enforcement remains committed, stating, “It’ll only take one mistake for him to be caught.”

Decker’s background as an Army veteran with experience in Afghanistan and his documented wilderness survival skills have complicated the search. Court documents reveal he lived off the grid for 2.5 months on one occasion and conducted Google searches about relocating to Canada days before the alleged murders. Authorities believe he may be hiding along the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs near the crime scene and extends to the U.S.-Canada border. Residents in Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties have been urged to lock their homes, secure vehicles, and check trail cameras for any signs of the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.

The tragedy has shaken the Wenatchee Valley community, where the Decker sisters were remembered as “beautiful and joyous” by friends and family. A GoFundMe for their mother, Whitney Decker, has surpassed $1 million, reflecting widespread support. “When one mother cries, we all cry,” said Amy Edwards, a family friend, at a recent memorial.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Authorities ask anyone with tips to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845. The public is warned not to approach Decker, described as 5’8”, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

As the search presses on, Sheriff Morrison remains resolute. “We’re optimistic,” he said. “Our personnel are well-equipped, and we will keep pushing forward to bring justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.”

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