Travis Decker, the man accused of brutally murdering his three young daughters, is still on the run. But chilling internet searches he made before vanishing may hold crucial clues to his whereabouts.
Tragic reports emerged last week after the bodies of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were discovered near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County.
The bodies of the three girls found each with plastic bags over their heads and wrists zip-tied, according to disturbing court documents. On the tailgate of Travis Decker’s truck were what appeared to be two bloody handprints.
Decker, meanwhile, was nowhere to be found.
The father-of-three — charged with one count of kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder – is now the subject of an intense search, with authorities of the hope that the public may assist in helping to locate him.
As the manhunt intensifies, chilling new details have emerged about Decker’s alleged escape plan. According to an affidavit from the U.S. Marshals Service, Decker searched phrases like “how to relocate to Canada” and “how does a person move to Canada” on May 26 — just days before the girls were found dead. He even browsed a Canadian job website, investigators say.
That same day, his phone records placed him at a campground near the border. Authorities believe it wasn’t a coincidence.
“The location of the victims’ remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada,” the affidavit states, according to Fox 13 Seattle.
The search for Decker — a 32-year-old Army veteran — has now expanded to include over 100 officers, aided by helicopters and drones. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has even called in the National Guard to assist with the growing operation.
There’s deep concern about how Decker’s military background could help him evade capture. Officials say he’s “well versed in wilderness survival,” with specialized training in “navigation, mountainous and woodland terrain, long-distance maneuvers, and wilderness survival,” according to court documents.
In other words, Decker could potentially survive off-grid for days — or even weeks — with minimal equipment.
“There is currently no official port of entry at that part of the border,” the affidavit notes, suggesting that hikers — or fugitives — can slip into Canada without being detected.
As law enforcement scours the wilderness for the former soldier, popular hiking and camping areas have been sealed off until further notice.
According to authorities, The Enchantments — a beloved mountain trail and backpacking destination — will remain closed through at least June 18. Other areas affected include sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and parts of North Cascades National Park, where police believe Decker could be hiding.
Now, with no confirmed sightings in days, multiple agencies are blanketing the region in a desperate effort to find him.
“Please know that law enforcement professionals are patrolling at all hours, in all spaces throughout this region,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office told residents in nearby counties including Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan.
Police have also issued urgent safety guidance for residents. In a Facebook post, the department said: “We are asking for those owners to lock all of their doors, to include any sheds or outbuildings, and leave their window blinds open. We recommend leaving outside lights on.”
A $20,000 reward is being offered for any tip that leads to his arrest. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert and report any potential sightings.
Newly released images show Decker’s distinctive tattoos, including markings on his arm and ankle. The last confirmed sighting of him came from a Ring doorbell camera, capturing him wearing sunglasses shortly before the bodies were discovered.
Authorities still don’t know if Decker is armed, but they’ve warned the public not to approach or engage with him under any circumstances.
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