After weeks of false leads and fading hope, the manhunt for Travis Decker has roared back to life. In a new tactical shift, the FBI, alongside the U.S. Marshals and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, will conduct a coordinated ground search, prompting the closure of several trails and campgrounds in Washington State.
From August 24 to 27, Rock Island Campground, Chatter Creek Campground, Blackpine Horsecamp, Jack Pine Trail, and Icicle Gorge trails will all be closed to the public to allow search teams full access to the area without civilian interference.
The renewed push comes after a critical DNA breakthrough earlier this month.
Plastic Bags, Zip Ties — and One DNA Match
The gruesome scene where Decker’s daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), were found has now yielded undeniable forensic evidence.
On August 6, the Crime Lab completed testing, and on August 19 the sheriff’s office announced that DNA matching Travis Decker was found on each plastic bag covering the girls’ heads, as well as on the cable ties at the scene. DNA from the three victims was also found on the bags, and no other DNA was detected.
There were no other DNA profiles found.
“The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved,” the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said.
Each girl was suffocated, and in a chilling detail, two of the victims had two bags each, while the third had three.
Still No Sign of Him — Alive or Dead
Since the girls’ bodies were discovered on June 2, Decker has remained at large. His last known whereabouts were near Rock Island Campground, where his abandoned truck was found with two bloody handprints.
The manhunt has since stretched from Washington to Idaho to Canada, with multiple reported sightings, including one in Sawtooth National Forest that turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
Decker had previously googled terms like “how to move to Canada” and “jobs in Canada,” raising suspicions that he may have attempted to flee north.
The Only Suspect — And Still at Large
Decker, 32, is now officially charged with three counts of murder and kidnapping. Investigators say there’s no indication anyone else was involved.
“All of our work points to one person,” said Sheriff Mike Morrison. “Nothing has come up showing anyone else was there.”
Morrison also noted that Canadian citizens have sent in tips and while none have confirmed Decker’s presence, law enforcement is grateful for the international awareness.
A Voice for the Girls
Despite the time that has passed, Morrison insists his team is far from giving up.
“We have not given up. We will not give up,” he told KIRO. “We’ll continue to pursue every lead and be a strong voice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.”
The U.S. Marshals are offering $20,000 for any information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
Anyone who sees him is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately and not approach, Decker is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
