The manhunt for Travis Decker, the former Army soldier accused of murdering his three young daughters, has now entered its third week—expanding into some of Washington State’s most rugged terrain as authorities continue their coordinated search efforts.
Decker, 32, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. The search has intensified with new federal involvement, additional air resources, and evolving strategies pulled from lessons learned in previous high-profile manhunts in the region.
A Coordinated Multi-Agency Hunt
According to a June 20 update from the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), deputies are working closely with Chelan County and multiple local, state, and federal agencies—including the U.S. Marshals Service and Washington National Guard—to locate and apprehend Decker. Daily operations include aerial searches, K9 deployments, and analysis of tips and surveillance data from the public.
KCSO emphasized that their teams are committed to arresting Decker should he be in or come into Kittitas County. “Our focus is on the task at hand: finding Decker,” the agency stated, while urging the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed information that could jeopardize the investigation.
Search Expands to Teanaway, Blewett Pass, Colchuck Lake
Authorities say current efforts are focused on the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass regions of Kittitas County—dense with forest, steep trails, and remote terrain. Flight tracking shows search aircraft have been flying loops over areas near Colchuck Lake, The Enchantments, and Highway 97.
The expanded area spans from Wenatchee into parts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest—some of the most challenging ground for search-and-rescue teams due to elevation and accessibility. Law enforcement says these conditions are especially concerning because Decker is a trained survivalist with a military background and wilderness experience.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office is drawing on experience from a similar manhunt in 2020 that lasted over three weeks in nearly identical terrain.
Timeline of Events
The manhunt began on May 30 after Decker failed to return his daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—from a court-ordered visitation. Their mother reported them missing. On June 2, authorities discovered their bodies near Decker’s abandoned vehicle at a remote campground.
The girls were reportedly found with plastic bags over their heads and their hands bound, triggering an outpouring of grief and horror across the state.
Authorities say Decker’s recent court battles for more visitation time may have played a role in what they now describe as premeditated killings. Court audio recently released reveals Decker pleading for extended custody, which was denied under a parenting plan revised just nine months earlier.
Updated Images and Public Vigilance
On June 17, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released digitally-altered photos showing Decker with different hairstyles and facial hair configurations. These updates were made in hopes the public might recognize Decker if he has attempted to disguise himself.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with security cameras in the Teanaway, Blewett, or Liberty areas to review footage for suspicious activity and to report any missing property or disturbances, no matter how minor. Tips can be called in to Kittcom at 509-925-8534 or submitted to the U.S. Marshals at 1-800-336-0102.
The public is strongly warned not to approach Decker if seen.
Memorial for the Victims
A public memorial for the three Decker girls will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Rocky Reach Park in Wenatchee. Community members are asked to wear purple, pink, or green and bring candles or glow sticks to honor the lives of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.
The Wenatchee School District, where the girls were enrolled, has issued a statement mourning the loss and providing mental health resources for students and families.
No Credible Sightings, No Confirmed Captures
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office recently debunked a viral TikTok video that falsely claimed Decker had been captured following a standoff. Authorities confirmed the video was fake and that Decker remains at large.
Agencies Involved
This massive search operation includes personnel and resources from:
- Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office
- Chelan County Sheriff’s Office
- Grant County Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Washington National Guard
- US Forest Service
- Adams County Sheriff’s Office
- Moses Lake Police Department
- Yakima Office of Emergency Management
- Ellensburg Police Department
In a statement, Sheriff Clay Myers thanked the public for their patience and vigilance during this “long and difficult mission.” He added: “Your encouragement means more than you can imagine.”
For ongoing updates on this case and more military community news, follow us at TheSaltySoldier.com and our uncensored, ad-free content at TheSaltySoldierUncensored.com.
© 2025 TheSaltySoldier.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction or redistribution of this article is strictly prohibited without written consent.
