Travis Decker manhunt: Search hones in on new area after possible sighting

Federal authorities have focused their search for murder and kidnapping suspect Travis Decker on Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest after receiving a tip of a possible sighting in the area.

Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three young children in Washington state, has been the subject of an extensive manhunt since late May. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information about Decker, offering a $20,000 reward for tips leading to his arrest.

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office for comment.

The Context

The manhunt for Travis Decker has drawn nationwide attention following the deaths of his three daughters and the subsequent multi-state search involving numerous law enforcement agencies.

On May 30, Decker failed to return his daughters, 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia, after a court-ordered visitation in Washington. Their mother reported them missing, leading to a police search that ended on June 2 with the discovery of the children’s bodies near Rock Island Campground.

The children’s cause of death was determined to be suffocation, and the manner of death was homicide.

What To Know

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking information from anyone who was in the Bear Creek area in the Sawtooth National Forest over the weekend, according to Boise news station KTVB.

A family reported seeing a man matching Decker’s description northwest of the Bear Creek Transfer Station, KTVB reported. The individual was described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a long ponytail, an overgrown beard and a mustache.

The family said he was wearing a black mesh cap, black gauged earrings, cream-colored T-shirt, black shorts, Converse or Vans low-top shoes, a black JanSport backpack and a black Garmin-style watch.

Case Background and Search Efforts

The search began after Decker’s daughters’ bodies and his truck were found near a campground on June 2.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced on June 5 that it executed several search warrants around the area and on Decker’s electronic devices. The following day, the sheriff’s office said it had received over 500 tips.

Decker is described by authorities as a skilled outdoorsman and former U.S. Army soldier.

Multiple agencies, including the Washington National Guard and local sheriff’s offices, have been involved in the search.

What People Are Saying

Chelan County Undersheriff Dan Ozment previously told Newsweek: “State and Federal partners continue to assist as needed or as requested through providing specialized equipment, investigators, search members.”

Arianna Cozart, a lawyer for the children’s mother, Whitney Decker, previously told Newsweek: “Whitney’s greatest hope in this moment is that Travis is found. That is what we all want.”

What Happens Next

The public is urged not to attempt to contact Decker. Anyone with information about Decker’s whereabouts is asked to call the nearest U.S. Marshals Service or the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1-800-WANTED2. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at usmarshals.gov/tips.

Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.