Authorities Shut Down Washington State Wilderness Areas in Search for Fugitive Dad
Share and Follow

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking the public’s help in information regarding triple murder suspect, Travis Decker, who was possibly spotted this weekend in the Sawtooth National Forest.

In a recent release, U.S. Marshals reported receiving a tip on July 5 from a family who claimed to have seen an individual in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest matching Decker’s description. The Bear Creek area is situated southeast of Stanley and north of Fairfield.

The family reported seeing a white male who appeared to stand between 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. He had a ponytail and overgrown beard, while wearing a black mesh cap, a cream shirt, black gauge earrings, either “Converse or Vans low top shoes,” FOX 13 reports

He was seen wearing a black watch and carrying a black JanSport backpack.

The man didn’t want to make eye contact with the family, according to what they told police.

The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force and Camas County Sheriff’s Office are currently searching the area and warn the public to refrain from pitching up hitchhikers, NBC Right Now reports.

They’re also urging the public to refrain from using drones in the air, which could hinder the search efforts.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Wenatchee Police Department said officers then discovered 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker dead near the Rock Island Campground on June 2.

Police suspect that Decker killed them during a planned visitation and then fled.  Search teams continue to comb through wilderness in search of Decker, but can’t confirm yet whether he’s alive or whether he left the area.

AP News reports that the U.S. Marshals Service is actively pursuing Decker and also considering the possibility that he may have left the region.  Extra patrols have been put in place to support the search efforts.

CCSO

The murders happened in Chelan County, but the area is linked to Kittitas County and the Pacific Crest Trail—which extends from Canada to Mexico—through backcountry trails.

Decker is described as a white male who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs around 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

“Due to safety concerns, do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” police previously said of Decker, who has extensive military training.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845, or submit information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo via Whitney Decker/Facebook]

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Unexpected Arrest: Homeless Man’s Attempt to Evade Panhandling Citation Leads to Warrant Discovery

By Staff Reporter GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities arrested 73-year-old Steven Michael Carter…

Florida Woman Faces Charges in Alleged Assisted Suicide of 97-Year-Old Mother

A Florida woman, aged 66, faces murder charges following the death of…

Tragic Incident: Husband Uses AR-15 in Fatal Shooting of Wife Amid Cheating Allegations, Witnessed by Son

Left inset: Manuel Robles (KGET/YouTube). Right inset: Ana Karen Robles (GoFundMe). Background:…

Mother of Four’s Request for Protection Left Unaddressed at Courthouse Before Tragic Fatal Shooting by Husband in Front of Children

Inset: Jeri Mains (GoFundMe). Background: The Indiana home where Jeri Mains was…

Heartbreaking Discovery: Body of Missing Texas Teen Camila Olmos Found

Authorities in San Antonio have announced the discovery of a body on…

Local Man Faces Rape Charges Following Alleged Assault Incident

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a troubling incident on December 25, 23-year-old Travius…

Renewed Concerns as Three Bodies Discovered in City Bayous Within a Week

On Monday, authorities refuted suggestions that a serial killer is responsible for…

Man Allegedly Confesses to Fatally Bludgeoning Parents in Family Living Room, Citing Overwhelming Frustration, Police Report

Share A chilling tale unfolded in Nevada as a 27-year-old man was…