The search for Travis Decker, a Washington state father accused of killing his three young daughters, appears to be intensifying, with law enforcement reporting they are “closing in” on his location. Decker has been the subject of a multi-agency manhunt since early June 2025, after his daughters were found dead at a campground.
Contents
This article provides an update on the ongoing search efforts and details surrounding the case.
Police “Closing In” on Travis Decker
Authorities in Chelan County, Washington, stated on June 11, 2025, that they believe they are nearing the location of Travis Decker. The announcement came nine days after his daughters, Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were discovered deceased following a scheduled visit with their father.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told reporters that units are strategically positioned. “There is nowhere that he’s going to be able to go that we don’t have units waiting for him,” Morrison said, suggesting that Decker is effectively surrounded within the search area. He added that Decker would eventually tire or make a mistake that would aid in his capture.
Reported Sighting Sparks Intense Search
Sheriff Morrison’s remarks followed reports the previous day that suggested Decker may have been spotted near a remote alpine lake. Hikers had alerted authorities to a lone individual who seemed unprepared for the challenging conditions of the area.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed responding to the tip. Tracking teams were deployed, and a helicopter crew located a hiker in the vicinity of Colchuk Lake, a popular spot within the Cascade Range’s Enchantments area. The individual reportedly fled the area as the helicopter passed overhead. Ground and K-9 teams subsequently tracked the person to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead region, south of Leavenworth.
Late on the night of June 10, an alert was issued to residents in the Ingalls Creek and Valleyhi communities, advising them to secure their homes and vehicles and to be vigilant for any signs of Decker.
Memorial of flowers, candles, and pictures honoring the Decker sisters in Wenatchee, Washington.
The Discovery and Charges
The widespread manhunt for Travis Decker, 32, began around June 2, 2025, when his truck was found abandoned at a campground near Leavenworth. Shortly after, the bodies of his three daughters were discovered nearby. Initial reports indicated the girls were found with their hands zip-tied and bags over their heads. A preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court suggested asphyxiation as the likely cause of death for Evelyn, Paityn, and Olivia Decker.
Decker is a former member of the U.S. Army, and law enforcement has cautioned that his survival and navigation skills could allow him to evade capture in the Washington wilderness for an extended period.
Evelyn, Paityn, and Olivia Decker, the three young sisters found dead in Washington state.
An affidavit from the U.S. Marshals Service revealed that in the days before his daughters’ deaths, Decker had searched online for terms like “how does a person move to canada,” “how to relocated to canada,” and “jobs canada.” The affidavit noted that the children’s remains were found relatively close to the Canadian border, near the Pacific Crest Trail, a route leading towards Canada.
Travis Decker faces multiple charges in connection with the case, including three counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, and a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities have highlighted that the serious nature of these charges could be a motivation for him to attempt to flee law enforcement.
Police handout photo of Travis Decker, subject of a multi-agency manhunt in Washington.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Travis Decker continues across rugged terrain in Washington state. Multiple agencies, including the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service, are involved in the operation, utilizing various resources such as K-9 units, helicopters, and ground teams.
Law enforcement teams participate in the ongoing search for Travis Decker in Washington state wilderness.
Law enforcement remains focused on apprehending Decker, stressing that his ability to survive in the wilderness makes the search challenging but are optimistic based on recent leads.
For more coverage on this developing story and other international news, explore our related articles.
