US Marshals escalate manhunt for fugitive dad wanted in daughters' murders
The U.S. Marshals Service has activated its elite Rapidly Advancing Manhunt (RAM) program in the urgent search for Travis Decker, wanted in connection with the murder of his three daughters in Washington state.
The RAM program, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, is designed to expedite the capture of violent fugitives through real-time intelligence coordination and rapid deployment of specialized teams, is fully engaged in the effort to apprehend Decker.
More than 100 officers from federal, state, and local agencies are actively involved in the manhunt in an intensive search effort that includes aerial surveillance, tracking dogs and backcountry patrols.
The Marshals Service is offering up to $20,000 for information directly relating to Decker's arrest.
Police Close In On Possible Location Where Fugitive Dad Could Be Hiding After Alleged Triple Murder
The U.S. Marshals' continued involvement comes as the Chelan County Sheriff's Office confirmed that they have assumed the role of lead investigative agency in the girls' killings.
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In a clarification issued Wednesday, the department shared with Fox News Digital that the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer the lead agency in the killings.
The shift in jurisdiction comes as the investigation continues to focus on rugged wilderness areas within Chelan County, where Decker was last seen.
On Tuesday, June 10, authorities announced that they were zeroing in on the Army veteran. On Monday, the agency received a tip from a group of hikers of a man who appeared evasive and unprepared near the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas late Monday night, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
"Our office recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others," the sheriff's office said in a press release.
Authorities subsequently acted on the tip and "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO said.
Search teams were able to establish a trail and deploy K9s throughout the area, leading them to Ingalls Creek.
SEE IT: PHOTOS OF THE SEARCH
The wooded area is located approximately 30 miles from Rock Island Campground, where the bodies of Decker's three daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found on June 2.
Survivalist's Google Searches Reveal Possible Escape Plan Amid Manhunt In Daughters' Triple Murder: Report
The bodies were found three days after they did not return to their mother following a court-approved visit with Decker.
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Authorities said Decker, a former Army infantryman with survival skills, may have used his rugged survivalist capabilities to evade capture. Authorities previously described him as "dangerous," warning residents not to approach him and describing him as armed.
"This is someone with military training, someone who's lived off-grid before," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. "We're dealing with a highly capable survivalist who may be using the terrain to his advantage."
If convicted, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Fox News' Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.Original article source: US Marshals escalate manhunt for fugitive dad wanted in daughters' murders
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