The search for Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three daughters in Washington, escalates as a possible Idaho sighting is ruled out on June 5, 2025. With a $20,000 reward offered, learn the latest on this tragic case and the ongoing multi-state hunt.
The manhunt for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old Washington man wanted for the murder and kidnapping of his three young daughters, has gripped the nation as authorities intensify their search on June 5, 2025. Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) Decker were found dead on June 2 near a Leavenworth campground, with preliminary reports indicating asphyxiation as the cause of death. Decker, a military veteran with survival skills, remains at large, and a debunked sighting in Idaho has raised stakes in this heartbreaking case.
Tragic Discovery and Ongoing Search
The Decker sisters were last seen alive on May 30 during a scheduled visitation with their father, Travis Decker, in Wenatchee, Washington. When they didn’t return by 8 p.m., their mother, Whitney Decker, raised the alarm on social media, pleading for their safe return. On June 2, authorities found the girls’ bodies near Rock Island Campground, 75-100 yards from Decker’s white 2017 GMC Sierra truck, which had bloody handprints, a blanket, car seats, and food inside. Court documents reveal the chilling details: the girls were found zip-tied with plastic bags over their heads, pointing to asphyxiation as the likely cause of death, pending a full autopsy due today, June 5.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the FBI and U.S. Marshals, is leading a multi-state search, with Sheriff Mike Morrison vowing, “We will not rest until Travis is located.” Decker, described as 5’8”, 190 pounds, with black hair in a ponytail, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. His military background, including service in the Army and Washington National Guard (last active a year ago), and wilderness survival skills make him a formidable fugitive. Authorities warn he may pose a “significant risk” and urge the public not to approach him.
Idaho Sighting Ruled Out
On June 4, McCall Police in Idaho investigated a reported sighting of Decker, 100 miles north of Boise, but Chelan County Sheriff Morrison dismissed it as “not credible” during a June 4 press conference, stating Decker is likely still in Washington. The false lead, sparked by a ring camera video shared on X, underscores the public’s heightened vigilance. Authorities are now focusing on the Leavenworth area, using drones, aircraft, and ground teams, with new photos and surveillance video of Decker released to aid identification. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.
Whitney Decker’s Heartbreak and GoFundMe
Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, divorced Travis in September 2024, citing his “mental instability” and emotional outbursts as reasons for their split. In court documents, she described his erratic behavior, including “screaming/crying bouts” during custody exchanges, which she said affected the girls. After the tragedy, friend Amy Edwards launched a GoFundMe for Whitney to cover legal and personal expenses, raising $15,000 by June 5. Whitney’s statement to ABC News before the bodies were found—“I just want the girls back home safe and sound”—has resonated widely, with X posts expressing grief and outrage.
Why This Case Resonates
The Decker case has sparked national attention due to its tragic nature and unanswered questions. No motive has been released, and Whitney told investigators Travis was communicative during past visitations, making the crime’s brutality shocking. Decker’s homelessness, living in his truck or campgrounds, and his pending disciplinary discharge from the National Guard for missing drills add layers to his profile. X posts call the case “gut-wrenching,” with some speculating Decker may be hiding in remote wilderness areas. The tragedy highlights failures in custody oversight, with experts noting similar cases where warning signs were missed.
As the search enters its fifth day, authorities are chasing social media tips nationwide, though Sheriff Morrison cautions against unverified reports. The full autopsy, expected today, may provide further clues. With Decker potentially “anywhere in the nation,” per Morrison, federal resources are bolstering the effort.
