“He’s Going To Make a Mistake”: Travis Decker Manhunt Intensifies Following Possible Enchantments Sighting

Authorities believe they are closing in on Travis Decker, the Washington man accused of murdering his three young daughters, as the search for the fugitive nears the end of its second week. The manhunt has mostly centered on Chelan County, WA but has recently expanded to include adjacent Kittias County.

Decker failed to return the three girls — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5) — after a planned visitation in late May. On June 2, the girls’ bodies were found at a campground near Leavenworth, Washington with their wrists bound and plastic bags over their heads. Autopsies confirmed that they had died by suffocation and their deaths were ruled homicides.

Many trails in the area near Leavenworth, WA, including part of the PCT and the popular Enchantments hiking area, were initially closed to facilitate the search but have since been reopened at least for day use. The PCT is now open, although it was to remain closed to overnight camping within North Cascades National Park (northbound miles 2573-2591) through June 12.

Travis Decker Manhunt Latest

On Tuesday, June 10, law enforcement received a tip about a lone hiker sighted in the Enchantments who seemed ill-prepared to be on the trail and appeared to be avoiding other hikers. The hiker fled from sight when a helicopter passed overhead. 

Police dogs tracked the man to Ingalls Creek Trailhead on US Route 97, but as of June 13, he remains on the run. Police have warned the public that Decker might change his appearance to evade capture.  

Images released by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office on June 17 show how Decker might change his appearance.

Yet authorities remain optimistic about catching him. “Eventually he’s going to tire and he’s going to make a mistake,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison in a Wednesday press conference. “All we need is one mistake and one day to go in our favor and he’s going to be in our custody.” Law enforcement is urging locals and outdoor tourists to remain vigilant, both for their own safety and to aid in the manhunt.

Decker was an Army infantryman and received backcountry survival training as part of his military service. It it not known whether he is armed, but authorities warn that he should be considered dangerous and anyone who spots him should not approach but should contact police immediately. 

An photo of Decker released by Wenatchee Police Department.

Police described Decker as a 5’8, 190-pound, 32-year-old white man with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan or green shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone who sees the suspect 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 your information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.

Featured image: Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team members hunt for Decker in Washington State.

This article was updated on June 20 to include images from Chelan County Sheriff’s Office showing how Decker might have altered his appearance.