by Leavenworth, Washington – Nearly three months after one of the most disturbing crimes in Chelan County history, federal and local authorities have returned to the rugged forests near Rock Island Campground to conduct a massive manhunt for Travis Decker, the father accused of murdering his three young daughters.
The FBI and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that roughly 100 specialists are taking part in a targeted grid search of the campground and surrounding trails, an area where Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found bound and suffocated to death in early June.
Grid Search Underway
Authorities closed portions of the campground, trails, and nearby roads through Wednesday as search teams fan out across a quarter-mile radius of dense forest. Specialists are equipped with trained dogs, drones, and electronic detection equipment to comb through terrain that officials described as “thick, dense, and difficult to navigate.”
Peter Orth, a supervisory senior agent at the FBI Seattle Field Office, emphasized that the search is both a renewed effort to locate Decker and a chance to document and preserve the crime scene.
“Right now, there is no evidence suggesting whether Travis Decker is alive or dead,” Orth said at a press briefing. “This is a beautiful area in which a heinous crime occurred. We are here to seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.”
Timeline of the Crime
Authorities allege that on May 30, 2024, Decker picked up his daughters for a scheduled visitation. When he failed to return them by the court-mandated deadline, their mother, Whitney Decker, immediately raised the alarm.
“As soon as he didn’t bring those girls back at 8 o’clock, she knew something was going on,” said Whitney’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, in comments to The Seattle Times.
Just days later, searchers discovered the bodies of the three girls at Rock Island Campground, a remote site outside Leavenworth. Each was found with zip ties around their wrists and necks and plastic bags over their heads.
Decker’s truck was abandoned nearby with two bloody handprints on the tailgate, further fueling suspicions. A dog belonging to Decker was found alive at the scene and later turned over to the Humane Society.
Trained Survivalist Still Missing
Travis Decker, 32, is a former U.S. Army serviceman with training in wilderness survival — a fact that has made the manhunt particularly challenging. Authorities fear his skills could allow him to remain hidden in the rugged backcountry for an extended period.
Despite initial searches in June, Decker vanished without a trace. Monday’s renewed effort aims to scour the area more comprehensively than before.
Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison said natural erosion, heavy brush, and wildlife activity may have already compromised evidence. Still, he vowed that law enforcement will continue pursuing the case indefinitely.
“We understand the girls would not want us to give up,” Morrison said. “We don’t get frustrated, we’re not going to give up. This will not go away until Travis is located.”
Emotional Impact on the Community
The killings have devastated Leavenworth and the surrounding region. The small mountain town, known for its Bavarian-themed charm and tourism, has been shaken by the brutal deaths of three children in a place typically associated with family camping trips.
For many, the case is a painful reminder of the dangers posed by domestic violence and custody disputes. Prosecutors allege Decker’s actions were deliberate and planned, though the exact motive remains unclear.
Orth of the FBI stressed that the agency’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the crime. “We are here to get answers for their family, friends, and the community — and to hopefully provide some sense of closure,” he said.
Long-Term Search Commitment
Officials confirmed the manhunt will not be rushed. The upcoming Labor Day holiday, which typically brings crowds of visitors to the area, will not deter the FBI and local authorities if the search needs to continue.
Sheriff Morrison reaffirmed the long-term commitment:
“If it’s not me wearing this uniform, it’ll be another Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputy, another FBI agent, another U.S. Marshal. This case is a priority, and it will remain that way until Travis Decker is found.”
Call for Justice
As the search continues, the memory of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia remains at the heart of the investigation. Law enforcement officials say their mission is not only to capture Decker but also to ensure the three sisters receive justice.
What do you think about this heartbreaking case and the ongoing search for Travis Decker? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
