A multi-agency manhunt is underway in central Washington for a 32-year-old man accused of killing his three young daughters and fleeing into the wilderness near Leavenworth.
Authorities from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), FBI, and U.S. Marshals are working in coordination to locate Travis Decker, a military-trained fugitive whose background and survival skills are complicating the search.
The bodies of Decker’s daughters were discovered Monday night at a remote campground, near where crews also found his abandoned truck. Aerial and ground search operations have since intensified in the rugged terrain.
At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, CCSO officials said Decker remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Prosecutors have charged him with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.
Decker, who joined the U.S. Army in 2012 and served in Afghanistan in 2014, is currently a reservist with the Washington Army National Guard. He holds the rank of sergeant with the 81st Brigade, Unit 1-161, which is based in Wenatchee and Yakima. However, a National Guard spokesperson confirmed that separation proceedings had been initiated for disciplinary reasons but had not yet been finalized.
Law enforcement sources told KOMO News that Decker is homeless and has been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. In previous divorce filings, his ex-wife cited his mental health struggles and a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. She also noted that he was supposed to undergo anger management treatment.
Investigators say Decker’s extensive military training includes wilderness survival, which raises concerns he could potentially evade capture for an extended period in the forested terrain. The area is now being scoured with help from off-road vehicle volunteers and backcountry experts.
Authorities have released Ring doorbell footage showing Decker in the days leading up to the alleged murders. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Tips continue to come in, and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement immediately.
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