Washington Manhunt: Travis Decker Sought in Tragic Murder of Three Daughters

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Washington state man, Travis Caleb Decker, is now the subject of an intense manhunt after the tragic discovery of his three young daughters’ bodies at a campground in Chelan County. The girls, aged 5, 8, and 9, were found with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists bound, a chilling scene that has left a community reeling and authorities scrambling for answers.

Decker, 32, a survivalist with a military background and a deep connection to the outdoors, did not have custody of his children. Reports indicate the girls likely died from asphyxiation, a detail that underscores the brutality of this crime. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison noted that Decker’s skills as an outdoorsman, possibly honed through Mountain Survival School, could make him difficult to track. “He’s been an outdoorsman since he was a kid,” Morrison said, signaling the challenges ahead as the U.S. Marshals and FBI join the search.

The tragedy unfolded after Decker failed to return the girls to their mother, Whitney Decker, following a court-ordered visit. Limited to supervised, non-overnight visits every other weekend, Decker reportedly ignored the 8 p.m. curfew last Friday, leaving desperate voicemails unanswered. Whitney alerted authorities, expressing concern over his mental health struggles, including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. By Monday, the grim discovery at Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth confirmed the worst fears—three young lives senselessly taken, their bodies found just yards from Decker’s abandoned 2017 white GMC Sierra.

Authorities remain baffled by the motive. “Clearly, it’s not the decision of a sound mind,” Morrison remarked, a sentiment that hangs heavy over this case. Decker, described as homeless and living between motels and campgrounds, faces charges of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on both arms, he is considered dangerous. The public is urged to avoid contact and report sightings to 911 immediately, with a $20,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest.

As the search intensifies, Sheriff Morrison issued a direct plea: “Turn yourself in. Let’s wrap this up and do what’s right for your kids.” For now, a community mourns, and a nation watches, hoping for justice in the face of unimaginable loss. Tips can be submitted to the Chelan Sheriff’s tip line at 509-667-6845 or online.