A manhunt intensifies for Travis Decker, a former Army Ranger accused of murdering his three young daughters in Washington state, as authorities face the daunting challenge of tracking a suspect with advanced military survival training in vast wilderness areas.
At a Glance
- Travis Decker, 32, is wanted for the murder of his daughters Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), who were found dead near Leavenworth with signs of asphyxiation
- Decker’s military training and wilderness survival skills are complicating search efforts as he may be capable of living off-grid for extended periods
- Authorities are searching the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with helicopter support and urging property owners to secure buildings
- The suspect reportedly struggled with mental health issues including PTSD and borderline personality disorder
- A GoFundMe for the girls’ mother has raised over $900,000 as the community mourns the tragedy
Specialized Military Training Complicates Search
Law enforcement agencies are facing exceptional challenges in their search for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old Wenatchee man charged with murdering his three young daughters. Decker, who earned a prestigious Ranger tab in the Army, possesses advanced wilderness survival skills that authorities believe he’s now using to evade capture. The search has expanded across multiple Washington counties with federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security joining local authorities.
Sheriff Mike Morrison of Chelan County emphasized the challenges facing search teams in the rugged terrain. “We recognize 87% of our county is not accessible by road,” Morrison noted. Investigators believe Decker may have prepared for a potential escape, possibly caching supplies throughout the forest. His experience living off-grid for months at a time has further complicated efforts to locate him in the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Manhunt for Travis Decker in Washington who killed his 3 young daughters is possibly in the National Guard & has survival skills. https://t.co/CQ12iPxf8D
— Gary FrostGermanotta (@frostygary) June 4, 2025
Horrific Details of the Crime
The bodies of Decker’s three daughters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were discovered in wooded areas near Leavenworth with evidence suggesting they were asphyxiated. Investigators reported finding zip ties and plastic bags over the girls’ heads. Decker’s abandoned vehicle was located near the crime scene with bloody handprints and personal items inside, prompting immediate concern about his whereabouts.
“Travis, if you’re out there seeing us, we’d like you to turn yourself in. We want a peaceful resolution to this, but we’re not going to relinquish our efforts. So please turn yourself in. Let’s wrap this up and do what’s right for your kids.”, said Sheriff Mike Morrison.
Authorities have described Decker as 5’8″, 190 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and multiple tattoos. He is considered dangerous and potentially armed. Residents across several counties have been advised to secure their properties and report any suspicious activity immediately. A dedicated tip line (509-667-6845) has been established for sightings or information related to Decker’s whereabouts.
Mental Health Failures and Family History
Court records and family statements reveal Decker had been struggling with significant mental health issues prior to the murders. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and suffering from PTSD related to his military service, Decker was reportedly awaiting disciplinary discharge from the Washington National Guard for failure to attend required drills. His ex-wife Whitney had full custody of their daughters with limited visitation rights granted to Decker.
“[Whitney] feels like the system really let Travis down. If somebody would have provided Travis with the help that he needed, those girls would be alive.”, said Arianna Cozart.
Whitney’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, has criticized the lack of mental health resources available to veterans like Decker. She also questioned why an Amber Alert wasn’t issued when the girls initially went missing, suggesting it might have made a difference given Decker’s military background and mental health history. Despite the custody limitations, Cozart noted that Decker had previously been an active and loving father with no history of violence toward his family.
Community Response and Ongoing Search
The community has rallied around Whitney Decker, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $900,000 to support her following the unimaginable loss of her three daughters. A vigil was held in Wenatchee to honor the young victims as the search for their father continues. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopters are assisting with aerial surveillance, focusing particularly on the Icicle Creek area where Decker might be hiding.
“He would go out and would be living off grid for sometimes up to two and a half months. We also understand, too, that he at times would do ‘caching.’ So we understand that that’s a possibility that he could have scoped out this area before, put supplies out there, and has the ability and the knowledge to survive for a long period of time.”, said Sheriff Morrison.
The search operation continues to expand as authorities employ every available resource to locate Decker. Law enforcement officials remain committed to bringing him into custody while acknowledging the extraordinary difficulties posed by his military training and familiarity with wilderness survival techniques.
