MENU
  • Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Cruises Travel

Latest News Cruises Travel

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

National Guard deployed in manhunt for survivalist accused of killing his three young daughters

08 Jun 2025 By foxnews

National Guard deployed in manhunt for survivalist accused of killing his three young daughters

The search has intensified for a Washington state survivalist who has been on the run from authorities for more than a week after he allegedly killed his three young daughters.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson activated the state's National Guard late Friday to assist in the manhunt for Travis Caleb Decker, 32, who disappeared after he failed to return his children following a scheduled visitation.

Separately, police said that more than 100 officers are now searching for Decker, with more than 500 tips coming in from the public as police said their focus on the fugitive has narrowed. 

"At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas," Ferguson wrote on X.

AUTHORITIES RELEASE NEW DOORBELL CAMERA VIDEO OF SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED, MURDERED THREE DAUGHTERS

"As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them. The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. I'm committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia."

The girls were discovered on Monday with plastic bags over their heads and bound wrists at a campground in Chelan County, approximately 75 to 100 yards from Decker's abandoned truck. They are believed to have died from asphyxiation.

Authorities said that new surveillance video, photos and tips from the public are continuously surfacing, which aid in decision-making to find Decker.

Decker spent time in the military and is an avid outdoorsman, according to authorities. He did not have legal custody of the girls at the time.

GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB

"Despite the many challenges faced and the complex ongoing murder investigation, morale and effort remains extremely high within staff at the Command Post," the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have been given notice to, and are working in conjunction with our surrounding counties in the event Mr. Decker moves through the forest into their jurisdiction. Additionally, the more agencies we can get involved, and the more the public remains vigilant, the better opportunity for success in the capture of Mr. Decker."

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison released a new photo on Thursday showing Decker's tattoos and said that search warrants had generated leads. He urged homeowners and people with mountain cabins to lock their doors - including to sheds and outbuildings, leave their blinds open and turn on outdoor lighting.

The children were ages 5, 8 and 9. Decker's ex-wife, Whitney Decker, 35, told police Monday that he had failed to bring the girls back to her after a Friday visit under the terms of their court-ordered parenting plan, according to court documents. 

Morrison said authorities had not identified a motive. "Clearly, it's not the decision of a sound mind," he said.

Travis Decker was limited to visiting the girls every other weekend - and not overnight - according to a court-ordered parenting plan that he did not sign. When he did not bring the girls back by an 8 p.m. curfew Friday, his ex tried calling him - but her attempts went straight to voicemail, according to a Chelan County police affidavit.

WASHINGTON STATE FATHER WANTED FOR MURDER AFTER 3 DAUGHTERS FOUND DEAD

She told investigators that he had never missed the deadline to return their children before, but warned that he has mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder.

He is homeless and splits his time between motels and campgrounds, according to the affidavit.

WATCH: New footage released by authorities shows murder suspect Travis Decker

Decker drives a 2017 white GMC Sierra with the Washington license plate D20165C, according to authorities. License plate scanners picked up the vehicle heading north over the Wenatchee Bridge on Friday at around 5:40 p.m. He did not show up for work Monday, according to the affidavit.

A Chelan County sheriff's deputy found the truck around 4 p.m. on Monday at the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington. They found all three girls' bodies between 75 and 100 yards away, down an embankment, according to court documents.

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X

Each one had a plastic bag over her head, and "their wrists were also zip-tied or showed signs of being zip-tied," according to the affidavit. Deputies found two bloody handprints on the pickup's tailgate. 

Decker's whereabouts remain unknown, and he is charged with three counts each of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping. 

He is described as standing about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms and was recently photographed with a goatee and mustache. 

SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER

It is unknown whether he is armed, but authorities say he should be considered dangerous.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is advising anyone who sees Decker to avoid approaching him and call 911 immediately. He faces a maximum of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Fox News' Christina Shaw contributed to this report.

More News

Booking.com
6 high-tech Father's Day gifts that show you really care
6 high-tech Father's Day gifts that show you really care
How to tell if a login alert is real or a scam
How to tell if a login alert is real or a scam
Archaeologists excavate ancient workshop with unfinished sculptures on Greek island
Archaeologists excavate ancient workshop with unfinished sculptures on Greek island
Sports columnist faces backlash over Simone Biles defense after Riley Gaines attack
Sports columnist faces backlash over Simone Biles defense after Riley Gaines attack
Helen Hunt opens up about rejecting Hollywood's beauty standards after years of 'misery and shame'
Helen Hunt opens up about rejecting Hollywood's beauty standards after years of 'misery and shame'
CHUCK DEVORE: Trump moves fast to save LA from a 1992 repeat
CHUCK DEVORE: Trump moves fast to save LA from a 1992 repeat
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'feared' King Charles delayed their kids' passports over royal titles: report
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'feared' King Charles delayed their kids' passports over royal titles: report
Ex-MMA star Ben Askren battling 'severe pneumonia' in hospital, wife says
Ex-MMA star Ben Askren battling 'severe pneumonia' in hospital, wife says
USA Gymnastics' transgender policy pages offline as Riley Gaines-Simone Biles feud rocks the sport
USA Gymnastics' transgender policy pages offline as Riley Gaines-Simone Biles feud rocks the sport
Rams' Kamren Curl jokingly vows to forgo playing 'Madden' after trailer shows him missing Saquon Barkley
Rams' Kamren Curl jokingly vows to forgo playing 'Madden' after trailer shows him missing Saquon Barkley
Sen. Cory Booker calls Los Angeles riots 'peaceful,' slams Trump for deploying National Guard
Sen. Cory Booker calls Los Angeles riots 'peaceful,' slams Trump for deploying National Guard
Trump admin sets the record straight on reports of Musk 'body-checking' Treasury Secretary at White House
Trump admin sets the record straight on reports of Musk 'body-checking' Treasury Secretary at White House
Couples who cuddle before sleep reap key health benefits, study reveals
Couples who cuddle before sleep reap key health benefits, study reveals
Chris Pratt debuts dramatic new look with fake blood and beard
Chris Pratt debuts dramatic new look with fake blood and beard
Costco debuts new frozen strawberry lemonade as members share mixed reviews: 'Too tart'
Costco debuts new frozen strawberry lemonade as members share mixed reviews: 'Too tart'
Booker won't accept money from Elon Musk for campaign, but urges him to 'sound the alarm' on Trump-backed bill
Booker won't accept money from Elon Musk for campaign, but urges him to 'sound the alarm' on Trump-backed bill
Carlos Alcaraz comes back to shock Jannik Sinner for French Open win
Carlos Alcaraz comes back to shock Jannik Sinner for French Open win
Ex-NFL cornerback Kelvin Joseph arrested after fatal motorcycle crash that killed 27-year-old woman
Ex-NFL cornerback Kelvin Joseph arrested after fatal motorcycle crash that killed 27-year-old woman
NFL Pro Bowler shares devastating toll injuries took on career: 'Literally couldn't walk'
NFL Pro Bowler shares devastating toll injuries took on career: 'Literally couldn't walk'
NASCAR star Alex Bowman suffers frightening crash during Michigan race: 'That hurt a lot'
NASCAR star Alex Bowman suffers frightening crash during Michigan race: 'That hurt a lot'
Latest News

copyright © 2025 Cruises Travel.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z