[UPDATE] More resources join manhunt as search operations for Travis Decker continue

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to include an update from CCSO at 4:45 p.m. on June 4 regarding the investigation.

LEAVENWORTH – Multiple agencies from across the region, state and nation continue their large-scale search for Travis Decker, bringing in additional assistance from Spokane County Air Support and more federal investigators.

Decker is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping in the deaths of his daughters — Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5.

The bodies of the girls were discovered Monday in a remote area near Icicle Road outside Leavenworth, days after they were last seen with their father on May 30 during a scheduled visitation. Decker remains at large, and authorities said he should be considered dangerous.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has provided two helicopters to assist in search operations spanning across Chelan County, as well as local national forest and wilderness areas. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Air Support Unit is also conducting air operations in similar areas, providing additional eyes in the sky and increasing opportunities to locate the suspect.

Additional federal agents and law enforcement investigators also arrived at the Command Post on the morning of June 4 to provide assistance, according to a CCSO update.

Investigators are contacting and interviewing all known associates of Decker to develop leads and his potential moves. More teams are being deployed to different sites Decker was known to frequent in the area. 

According to CCSO, new information revealed that Decker is well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with little equipment.

The additional resources come as search operations expand throughout the area with support from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, and Washington State Patrol. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the backcountry trail systems while the search continues.

CCSO reported that numerous tips have come in from the public, along with many offers for assistance from off road vehicle owners and backcountry experts to provide guide services, equipment and even horses if needed.

A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information that leads directly to his arrest. Authorities say Decker may be armed and is considered dangerous. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

There has been a change to the tip line process and anyone with information is urged to call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.

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