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Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Newsweek
Travis Decker Manhunt Update: Search Faces New Setback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The search for Travis Decker in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest ended this week after authorities confirmed that a man seen by multiple witnesses was not Decker. The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force launched the search after a tip on Saturday, when a family reported seeing a man fitting Decker's description in the Bear Creek area of the Idaho wilderness. Additional tips followed, the Associated Press reported. Authorities located and interviewed the man on Wednesday, determining the man was not Decker, U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh said in a press release. The Context The manhunt for Decker has captured significant national attention following the deaths of his daughters—9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia—whose bodies were found on June 2 at a campground in Washington. Decker, a former U.S. Army soldier, has evaded capture since. This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. Wenatchee Police Department via AP, File What to Know A family reported seeing a man matching Decker's description northwest of the Bear Creek Transfer Station, KTVB reported. The individual was described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a long ponytail, an overgrown beard and a mustache. Federal, state, and local partners assisted in the subsequent search effort. Leigh said the man was cooperative and confirmed he had been hiking in the area over the Fourth of July weekend. After investigators confirmed the individual was not Decker, they began demobilizing the search operation, KIRO 7 News reported. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office previously said there is "no certain evidence" that Travis Decker is still alive or in the county. "Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching," the sheriff's office said in a June 23 press release. 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, the sheriff's office said. What People Are Saying U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh, in a press release: "Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend." What Happens Next The public is urged not to attempt to contact Decker. The Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker's capture. Anyone with information about Decker's whereabouts is asked to call the nearest U.S. Marshals Service or the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1-800-WANTED2. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Toronto Sun
10-07-2025
- Toronto Sun
Federal authorities end Idaho search for suspect in kids' deaths after finding look-alike hiker
Published Jul 09, 2025 • 1 minute read FILE - This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. (Wenatchee Police Department via AP, File) AP BOISE, Idaho — Federal authorities in Idaho say they have ended a search in the Sawtooth National Forest after determining it was all a case of mistaken identity. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The search began Saturday after the U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force said a family reported they saw a man who looked like Travis Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters in Washington state. Decker has been wanted since June 2, when a sheriff's deputy in Washington found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters — 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker — at a campground outside Leavenworth, Wash. The discovery came three days after he failed to return the girls to their mother's home in Wenatchee, about 160 kilometers east of Seattle, following a scheduled visit. The family was near a Bear Creek area campsite when they saw a man who was the same height and roughly the same weight as Decker, and also had similar hair, beard and tattoos on his arm and calf. Additional tips followed, and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies joined the Marshals Service in the search. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They found the man Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh said in a press release, and determined he was not Decker. 'Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend,' Leigh wrote. Authorities in Washington on June 10 said they believed they had spotted Decker, a former soldier, near a remote alpine lake in a popular backpacking area in the Cascade Range. Tracking teams followed up on a tip from hikers who reported seeing a lone hiker who appeared to be ill-prepared for the conditions, but he has not been found. The Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker's capture. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Blue Jays Olympics Basketball News Columnists
30-06-2025
Travis Decker timeline: How an 'active dad' ended up allegedly murdering his 3 daughters
In a mystery that has captured national attention, Washington father Travis Decker picked up his three young daughters on May 30 for a "planned visitation," and never came back. The three girls -- Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5 -- were found dead near a Washington state campground on June 2, according to police. Decker, who has been accused of murdering the three girls, has since disappeared, sparking a multi-agency manhunt. Nearly one month after the girls' bodies were found, the manhunt for Decker continues. Here's a timeline of what we know about the murder of the three sisters, who were described by their mother Whitney Decker as having "warm and open hearts." May 30 Travis Decker, 32, picked up the girls at their home in Wenatchee Valley, talked to his ex-wife for about 15 to 20 minutes and then left, Arianna Cozart, Whitney Decker's attorney, told ABC News. "He said, 'Hey, I will see you at 8 [p.m.],' and he left, and he never came back," Cozart said. Whitney Decker contacted police that evening with a civil complaint, saying she had not heard from Travis Decker and he had failed to bring the girls home at their scheduled time, officials said. She attempted to call her ex-husband multiple times, but his cellphone was going straight to voicemail and she began to express concern because he "reportedly has never done this before and further noted he is currently experiencing some mental health issues," according to court records. May 31 Detectives later learned Travis Decker and his daughters did not arrive at a "planned 5K running event" on May 31, according to court documents. The Wenatchee Police Department announced the disappearance of the three girls, stating that Travis Decker was "homeless and living in his vehicle or at various hotels/motels or at campgrounds in the area." Police said at the time that the investigation had not met Amber Alert criteria, but they did issue an Endangered Missing Person Alert through the Washington State Patrol. June 2 At approximately 3 p.m. on June 2, officials located Travis Decker's vehicle unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, police said in a press release. Additional law enforcement officers responded to the scene and found the bodies of the three girls, but "Decker was not located." "We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time," police said. Officials began their search for Travis Decker, who police said is a former member of the military with "extensive training." Travis Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts first-degree kidnapping, police said. June 4 Two days after the girls were found, the manhunt continued for Travis Decker, with officials saying he could be "anywhere within the nation." "Travis, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in, do the right thing, do what you need to do and take accountability for your actions. We're not going to rest, and we're going to make sure we find you. You will be brought to justice, those young ladies deserve it," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during a press conference. Reports of a possible sighting of Travis Decker in Idaho on June 4 were debunked by authorities the same day, officials said. "Based off the information we got back was that the sighting in McCall, Idaho, was not our suspect, Morrison said in a press conference. Court documents obtained by ABC News revealed more details regarding the crime scene, including that there were plastic bags over the heads of each girl and their wrists were zip-tied. Around Travis Decker's vehicle, deputies located zip ties and plastic bags "strewn throughout the area," and the tailgate of the truck had what appeared to be "two hand prints of blood," according to the documents. Authorities also learned that Travis Decker was well-versed in wilderness survival and could be capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own with very little equipment. More information about Travis Decker's military background also emerged, specifically that he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 while on active duty in the Army and was then transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021 "from the active component," according to a spokesperson for the Washington State Military Department. Preparations for an "administration separation" began in 2023 or 2024, but the process had not officially started and he remained in the Washington National Guard, the spokesperson said. Local officials began working with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshal's Office in their search efforts. June 5 Cozart revealed to ABC News more information on Travis Decker, specifically that he lacked mental health resources and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. "The courts didn't fail these girls. It wasn't the judge and it wasn't Whitney; it was our system," Cozart said. "[Whitney] feels like the system really let Travis down. If somebody would have provided Travis with the help that he needed, those girls would be alive." Before the girls disappeared, Cozart said there "were no red flags" and that he "loved those girls very much." Additional details on Travis Decker and Whitney Decker's marriage emerged, including that his PTSD was something he "always carried with him" during their 10 years together, with Travis Decker screaming in the middle of the night, soaking the bed and only getting one or two hours of sleep, Cozart said. After their marriage ended in 2023, Whitney Decker -- who has full custody of the children -- decided to seek legal counsel and petitioned the court to "put restrictions in place on his parenting" due to "concerning factors regarding Travis' mental health and stability," Cozart said. Cozart told ABC News the court at the time granted visitations for the father to visit the children for three hours on Fridays and eight hours every other weekend, so long as he remained in Wenatchee Valley with the girls. This parenting agreement was "working really well" until May 30, Cozart said. June 9 An autopsy determined the girls' cause of death to be suffocation and the manner of death was ruled as a homicide, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The sheriff's office said it had "collected a large amount of evidence, many of the suspect's personal items," from the truck, though the analysis of the evidence "creates more questions and information for investigators to continue to pursue." Blood samples taken from the scene included human and non-human, the sheriff's office said. "Further DNA and fingerprint analyses are still being conducted," the sheriff's office said. The suspect's dog had also been recovered and turned over to a humane society for care, officials said. June 10 An affidavit obtained by ABC News revealed that Travis Decker had made several internet searches four days before he picked up the girls about moving to Canada. His Google searches included "how does a person move to Canada" and "how to relocate to Canada," the affidavit said. The U.S. Marshals Service, which is leading the search for the suspect, announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Travis Decker's arrest. June 17 Officials released a new suspect flyer of Decker, including photos of potential ways Decker may have altered his appearance in the weeks since he was last seen. June 20 A memorial is held for the three sisters, with mother Whitney Decker speaking for the first time since the death of her daughters. "I'm so thankful for the time that I had with the girls. I truly hope that the legacy of the girls' lives lives in everyone's hearts forever. They were incredible," Whitney Decker said. June 23 Officials release an update regarding the search efforts, stating that "there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area." The Chelan County Sheriff's Office also confirmed to ABC News that cadaver dogs have been deployed and utilized in the search, along with tracking dogs. "We can't and won't quit this search," Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers said in a statement. "Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker deserve justice. Decker remains a danger to the public as long as he's at large." Detectives have investigated "dozens and dozens and dozens" of potential sightings, tips and leads, with none being successful. June 27 Todd McGhee, a law enforcement and security analyst, told ABC News he believes the fugitive father is likely still alive and will "eventually surface," since canines have "not picked up on any type of cadaver or any type of presence of a deceased body." "Canines are trained to look for cadavers and sniff for those types of odors, so he's still maybe on the move," McGhee said. McGhee said Travis Decker will likely "leverage every bit" of his military experience but said he believes he will "eventually surface." "He'll eventually have to surface through seeking shelter, seeking food, nutrition -- those types of things will require him to come out of hiding and, to some degree, expose himself to the general public," McGhee said. Regardless of where Travis Decker may be, McGhee said he is "confident" the search efforts will lead to some form of closure.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Cadaver dog to hunt for Travis Decker, girls' mother speaks publicly for first time
As the hunt intensifies for a Washington-state father wanted in connection to the killings of his three school-age daughters, the girls' mother spoke publicly about the children for the first time since their deaths. "I truly hope that the legacy of the girls' lives lives on in everyone's heart forever," Whitney Decker said through tears during a June 20 memorial service for her daughters, Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. "They were incredible." The girls' mother reported them missing May 30, after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned custody visit with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found the girls lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied. The joint local, state and federal multi-jurisdictional hunt for Decker continued after deputies discovered the girls' bodies on June 2 at Rock Island Campground. The girls' father, 33-year-old U.S. Army veteran Travis Decker, is wanted on charges including three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection to their deaths. On June 23, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said Decker remained at large as the case entered week four and day 22 of operations. "(U.S.) Marshals are following up on leads and we continue to conduct joint operations with (nearby) Kittias County," Morrison told USA TODAY. "Additional air operations will take place over the next couple of days inserting specialized search teams into more inaccessible areas." A cadaver dog, the sheriff said, was also set to deploy this week. In video shot by KIRO-TV, the grieving mother stood at a podium before a crowd in a lavender dress with a cardigan wrapped around her shoulders. She recalled how daily her daughters shared three emotions with her −one sibling always making a point to ask her how she felt. Emotions, Whitney Decker said, that "allowed them to have such warm and open hearts to the community." "I know Evelyn would have loved to ooh and aah over all your outfits. She would have been amazed by all the color out there," the mother said. "Paityn would have sought each and every one of you out to try to find something to give you a compliment for.... "I'm so thankful for that time I had with the girls," Decker said. California mass shooting: Melee leaves 6 people injured, no arrests made A motive in the killings remained under investigation. The girls' father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached."Court filings obtained by USA TODAY say Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues before the girls' deaths. Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8" and weighing 190 was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. He should not be approached. Anyone who sees him or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Whitney Decker speaks; cadaver dog to hunt for Travis Decker
USA Today
23-06-2025
- USA Today
Cadaver dog to hunt for Travis Decker, girls' mother speaks publicly for first time
As the hunt intensifies for a Washington-state father wanted in connection to the killings of his three school-age daughters, the girls' mother spoke publicly about the children for the first time since their deaths. "I truly hope that the legacy of the girls' lives lives on in everyone's heart forever," Whitney Decker said through tears during a June 20 memorial service for her daughters, Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. "They were incredible." The girls' mother reported them missing May 30, after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned custody visit with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy found the girls lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied. The joint local, state and federal multi-jurisdictional hunt for Decker continued after deputies discovered the girls' bodies on June 2 at Rock Island Campground. The girls' father, 33-year-old U.S. Army veteran Travis Decker, is wanted on charges including three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection to their deaths. On June 23, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said Decker remained at large as the case entered week four and day 22 of operations. "(U.S.) Marshals are following up on leads and we continue to conduct joint operations with (nearby) Kittias County," Morrison told USA TODAY. "Additional air operations will take place over the next couple of days inserting specialized search teams into more inaccessible areas." A cadaver dog, the sheriff said, was also set to deploy this week. 'Warm and open hearts' In video shot by KIRO-TV, the grieving mother stood at a podium before a crowd in a lavender dress with a cardigan wrapped around her shoulders. She recalled how daily her daughters shared three emotions with her −one sibling always making a point to ask her how she felt. Emotions, Whitney Decker said, that "allowed them to have such warm and open hearts to the community." "I know Evelyn would have loved to ooh and aah over all your outfits. She would have been amazed by all the color out there," the mother said. "Paityn would have sought each and every one of you out to try to find something to give you a compliment for.... "I'm so thankful for that time I had with the girls," Decker said. California mass shooting: Melee leaves 6 people injured, no arrests made What is the motive in the Travis Decker case? A motive in the killings remained under investigation. The girls' father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached."Court filings obtained by USA TODAY say Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues before the girls' deaths. What does Travis Decker look like? Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8" and weighing 190 was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. He should not be approached. Anyone who sees him or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
