They fear that the ex-soldier accused of murdering his three daughters in Washington may have died in the forest
The investigation was reoriented towards the search for human remains, given the possibility that Decker may have died in the rugged mountain terrain
Authorities who have been searching for Travis Decker for three weeks, a 32-year-old ex-soldier accused of murdering his three young daughters at a camp in Washington state, acknowledge that there is inconclusive evidence that he is still alive or remains in the area.
Since last June 2 June, Decker is wanted after the bodies of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8) and Olivia Decker (5) were found in a remote area near Leavenworth, after he failed to return them to their mother after a scheduled visit.
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office reported Monday that the investigation is being reoriented toward the search for human remains, given the possibility that Decker may have died in the rugged mountainous terrain. Specialized teams with tracking dogs have been deployed.
"We cannot abandon this search. Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia deserve justice," the sheriff's office said on social media.
The FBI and the US Marshals Service are also collaborating, given the possibility that Decker may have escaped from the area. The region includes trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, which connects Canada to Mexico and is difficult to fully monitor.
A possible sighting was reported earlier this month in The Enchantments, when hikers reported a lone man who appeared to be avoiding contact. A helicopter located the individual in a rugged area, but he fled into the woods, and search for dogs lost the trail on the Ingalls Creek Trail.
The case has sent shock waves through Washington. According to an autopsy, the girls died of asphyxiation: they were tied with plastic ties and bags were placed over their heads.
Decker, a former US Army infantryman with experience in Afghanistan and survival in extreme environments, was living without a fixed address and had shown mental instability, according to court documents filed by his ex-wife in 2023, who tried to restrict his nightly contact with his daughters.
“As long as he remains at large, he represents a danger to the public,” Authorities warned, asking citizens to check security cameras, rural properties, and report any suspicious activity.