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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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Sheriffs in Washington state issued new statements describing the ongoing, multi-agency search for Travis Decker, the former soldier wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters.
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office stated that there is "no certain evidence" that Travis Decker is still alive or in the area as of Monday.
"Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching," the sheriff's office said in a press release. It stated that it has maintained extra patrols in certain areas. Search teams have spent days and nights in remote terrain, and detectives have investigated "dozens and dozens and dozens" of potential sightings, tips and leads.
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Chelan County Undersheriff Dan Ozment told Newsweek that search teams are following up on leads as they come in.
"We are also currently waiting on some new potential evidence to be processed that will hopefully provide us with more information on search areas," Ozment said.
Federal authorities also released new images highlighting the complex and hazardous conditions faced by search teams in the Washington wilderness.
Newsweek reached out to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service for comment.
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The Context
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office warned that Decker remains a danger to the public as he remains at large. The continuing search for Decker has drawn significant public attention and the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Decker's daughters, 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia, were found dead near Rock Island Campground earlier this month. The children's cause of death was determined to be suffocation, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide. Officials have identified Decker as the primary suspect in their murders.
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Update
The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office said the search has involved "dozens of agencies and organizations, hundreds of people, and thousands of hours."
The sheriff's office said it is maintaining extra patrols in Teanaway Valley, Blewett Pass, Liberty, and Lauderdale. K9 units and trackers have identified and followed any credible leads to Decker's location.
Some resources have shifted to include searches for Decker's remains in case he has died in the rugged landscape. Visible extra patrols continue, and the U.S. Marshals Service leads fugitive-tracking efforts if Decker has left the region. The office also emphasized the importance of public vigilance.
"We still believe public awareness and help is our best tool—whether it comes from a cabin owner who finds something out of place, a hiker in the Enchantments who discovers evidence our searches missed, or anyone else," the sheriff's office said.
Chelan County Sheriff Acknowledges Team Effort
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the search has been a "true team effort."
"We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Kittitas County Sheriff's for their continued efforts," the sheriff's office said. "We also would like to voice appreciation for the many agencies and partners who have come alongside us through out this incredibly challenging and emotionally difficult search for Travis Decker. Their support, expertise, and shared commitment to justice have been vital as we continue to navigate the complex, logistical, physical, and emotional demands of this case."
Federal Authorities Release New Photos
The U.S. Marshals Service released new images showing marshals and tactical teams searching rugged, mountainous territory, sometimes using camouflage, spotting scopes, and long-range precision rifles.
Supporting agencies included the Border Patrol Tactical Unit and the King County Sheriff's Office. Air support, including helicopters operating in remote terrain, plays a critical role in search efforts.
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Timeline of the Manhunt for Decker
The search began after Decker's truck and his daughters' bodies were found near a remote campground on June 2, three days after he failed to return the children following a scheduled visitation.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office announced on June 5 that it executed several search warrants around the area and on Decker's electronic devices. The following day, the sheriff's office said it had received over 500 tips.
On June 7, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson allocated Washington National Guard resources to the search effort.
Three days later, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said it believed tracking teams were on Decker's trail after a hiking party reported seeing a lone hiker who appeared to be unprepared for the terrain and weather conditions. The party said the individual also appeared to be avoiding others, according to officials.
On June 15, the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office said that deputies and the Kittitas County Regional Tactical Response Team were active in the border areas of the county near Decker's last believed location.
What People Are Saying
Chelan County Undersheriff Dan Ozment told Newsweek: "State and Federal partners continue to assist as needed or as requested through providing specialized equipment, investigators, search members."
Chelan County Sheriff's Office, on Facebook: "Together we remain united in our mission to bring justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. No one involved in the search has given up and we will not."
Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, on Facebook: "We can't and won't quit this search; Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice."
What Happens Next
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Kittcom at 509-925-8534.
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