UPDATE – July 10, 2025: The U.S. Marshals Service has called off the search for fugitive Army veteran Travis Decker in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, just west of the site of the ultra-exclusive Sun Valley Conference, commonly known as the “summer camp for billionaires.”
Federal, state, and local officers had descended on the rugged mountain region after a man matching Decker’s description was reported “exhibiting odd behavior” over the Fourth of July weekend on an isolated ATV trail. The area lies roughly 500 miles from where Decker’s three young daughters were found suffocated to death in Washington state in late May.
On Wednesday afternoon, investigators located the individual and confirmed he was not Decker. The man, described as “cooperative,” was ruled out after being interviewed by law enforcement, according to KIRO-TV.
Decker remains at large, and the $20,000 reward for information leading to his capture is still active.
July 9 – U.S. Marshals are on high alert after two reported sightings of Army veteran and fugitive murder suspect Travis Decker in the rugged backcountry of the Sawtooth National Forest, just miles from where tech titans and media moguls are gathering for the exclusive Sun Valley Conference, often dubbed the “summer camp for billionaires.”
Decker, 32, is the subject of a nationwide manhunt for the kidnapping and brutal murder of his three young daughters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—during a scheduled visitation near Leavenworth, Washington on May 30.
The case has been of particular interest to The Salty Soldier and the broader veteran community due to Decker’s background as a former U.S. Army infantryman. He served with the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and was briefly assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment before being removed after failing to complete Ranger School. Though he appeared online wearing a Ranger tab, multiple former teammates confirm he never earned it officially.
“He was constantly talking about his dad, who was a Green Beret,” one former squadmate told FOX 13. “It felt like he had something to prove.”
As law enforcement continues tracking his movements, new developments over the July 4 weekend suggest Decker may be hiding in the Smoky Mountains region of Idaho, around 25 miles west of Ketchum, home to the Allen & Company-hosted retreat where billionaires, global investors, and world leaders gather to talk tech, finance, and power.
Sightings in Bear Creek and Goat Lake
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, a family camping in Bear Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Boise River, reported seeing a man matching Decker’s description on Saturday, July 5. Another camper later backed up the sighting, describing the same individual on a remote UTV trail near Goat Lake, not commonly used by hikers.
“Some of the designs of Decker’s tattoos are unique,” said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Michael Leigh. “The specificity and locations of the artwork described by the tipster was compelling.”
The man was described as a white male, 5’8–5’10”, with a long ponytail, gauged black earrings, a beard and mustache, wearing a cream-colored t-shirt, black shorts, low-top Converse or Vans shoes, a Garmin-style watch, and carrying a black JanSport backpack. He did not make eye contact and reportedly behaved in a suspicious manner.
Authorities believe Decker may be attempting to survive off-grid in terrain he knows well, drawing on both his military training and experience in rugged conditions. His history of hitchhiking prompted federal officials to warn the public not to pick up strangers in the region.
Elite Tactical Units Join the Hunt
The U.S. Marshals’ Special Operations Group (SOG) has been deployed to the area. This elite team, which acts as the agency’s SWAT and tactical response unit, specializes in operating in remote, harsh environments like the Sawtooth backcountry.
“We are canvassing local residents, campers, and people recreating in the area,” said Supervisory Deputy Marshal Eric Toms. “We are conducting aerial and ground operations in areas believed to be accessible to a person in Decker’s condition.”
Despite active search operations, as of Tuesday morning, no forest closures had been issued.
Sun Valley Conference Looms Nearby
Just east of the search area, billionaires and global leaders are beginning to arrive for the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, an invitation-only retreat known as “summer camp for billionaires.” Scheduled from July 9 to 13, the event draws attendees like Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, and Anthony “Tony” Blumberg, who recently confirmed his attendance.
“It’s part reunion, part think tank, and part deal room,” said Blumberg of the event, which has been responsible for shaping major business decisions and billion-dollar deals for over 40 years.
The juxtaposition of a suspected child killer and fugitive Army veteran in the same remote region as the ultra-wealthy elite adds a surreal and chilling layer to an already tragic story.
A Lost Comrade, a National Nightmare
Decker’s former teammates have expressed shock, anger, and betrayal over the killings. One soldier who served alongside him in Italy in 2017 described him as “a quiet outcast” who was hardworking but narcissistic.
After the murders, Decker deleted his social media activity, unfollowed most of his connections, and vanished into the wilderness.
Call for Help
Authorities are urging the public to lock cabins, outbuildings, and homes, leave blinds open for aerial surveillance, and turn on exterior lights to aid search efforts. Decker is believed to be dangerous and possibly armed.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
Anyone with information is urged to call 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) or submit tips online at usmarshals.gov/tips.
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