Manhunt evolves as search teams work to surround Decker

WENATCHEE — The search for Travis Decker continues to evolve as law enforcement agencies shift tactics and deploy specialized resources in their pursuit.

Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in connection with the deaths of his daughters — Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. 

Their bodies were discovered on June 2 near Rock Island Campground following a weekend-long search prompted by a missed custodial exchange. Authorities say Decker is well-versed in wilderness survival and has experience spending long periods of time off the grid.

“You will see a change in our tactics as we proceed forward. You will not see the amount of resources that we have had out there, but you are seeing a different element of our approach as we continue to track down Travis, following leads and making it very clear that every single day Travis is out there, he's going to have to aim for perfection,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, during a June 11 press conference.

Command of search operations has shifted to U.S. Border Patrol, as regional resources continue to provide assistance and focus on further investigation. During the press conference, Chief Jerome Brown of the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern District of Washington said his agency has deployed its Rapidly Advancing Manhunt (RAM) program, which “combines real-time intelligence sharing, cutting-edge technology, and interagency collaboration to track and capture violent fugitives,” according to the U.S. Marshals Service website.

In response to the promising leads from June 10, Morrison said that nothing had changed in regard to tactics and ground units tracking the leads, but they had “just started to head in a different direction.” 

On June 10, CCSO said search teams followed up on a tip from a hiking party who spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments Area. The reporting party said the hiker appeared to be avoiding others and seemed ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions. 

The tip was followed up by a helicopter, which spotted a hiker run from sight as it passed over Colchuck Lake. According to the CCSO update, teams “picked up a trail and deployed K9s to the area, tracking the subject to the area of Ingalls Creek Trailhead on HWY 97.”

During the June 11 press conference, Morrison said search teams were “pretty confident” it could be Decker, but reiterated that no potential sighting would be confirmed with 100 percent certainty. 

“The behavior that we saw from the lone hiker did not match that was typical with everyone else we were seeing up there. So again, that sparked our interest. We did put a ground unit on there to continue tracking the prints that we had. We continued to track that down in Ingalls Creek and up in the Valley Hi area,” said Morrison.

When asked if Decker had left physical evidence behind in the areas where tips were received, Morrison said they have found items of interest that could be linked to Decker.

“We've also continued to follow up with some of his friends and family, and we believe that we're closing in on this trail,” said Morrison.

During the press conference, Morrison said he had been in touch with Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning, who has resources on the ground in Cle Elum and Teanaway Valley. Morrison also emphasized assistance from King, Snohomish, Okanogan, Douglas and Grant County Sheriff’s Offices.

“There is nowhere that he's going to be able to go that we don't have units waiting for him,” said Morrison.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him. If you see or believe you have seen Decker, call 911 immediately.

He is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media