Latest news with #Decker
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Travis Decker Update: Police Release Pictures Of How He May Look Now
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Authorities have released new images that they say they may show what Travis Decker, the ex-soldier suspected of killing his three daughters, may look like now. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office in Washington shared three images showing how Decker could have altered his appearance in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Newsweek has contacted the sheriff's office for further comment via email. The Context Decker, 32, has been the target of a massive search for almost three weeks. A sheriff's deputy found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters—9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker—at a campground near Leavenworth on June 2. The girls' mother Whitney Decker had called police on May 30 to report that Decker failed to return the girls to her home in Wenatchee following a planned visitation. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released images of what Travis Decker, the man suspected of killing his three daughters, could look like. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released images of what Travis Decker, the man suspected of killing his three daughters, could look like. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office What To Know One of the images released by the sheriff's office of how Decker could potentially look shows him with a shaved head and trimmed facial hair, another shows him with a shaved head and mustache and a third shows him with shoulder-length hair and a baseball cap. He is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes and weighing 190 pounds. Images previously released by the sheriff's office show Decker with facial hair and wearing a baseball cap. Authorities also released Ring camera footage of Decker captured in the days before his disappearance, showing him with facial hair and long hair gathered in a ponytail. "These videos and photos are from the days leading up to [when] his visitation began with the girls," the sheriff's office said on June 5. "These are the most recent photos and videos we have that reveal his last known appearance." The sheriff's office said in a news release that investigators are continuing to process evidence from the crime scene while search teams continue efforts to locate Decker. It added that the U.S. Marshals Service has assumed the lead role in the search for Decker, and the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and the Washington Army National Guard are assisting. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker's arrest, the sheriff's office said. This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who the police are asking the public for help in locating, the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his... This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who the police are asking the public for help in locating, the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. More Wenatchee Police Department via AP What People Are Saying The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Tuesday: "Personnel are deployed throughout the region and backcountry areas of Chelan and Kittitas Counties following up on leads and searching for signs of Mr. Decker. While search operations continue around the clock, CCSO Detectives are further developing the criminal case, conducting follow up interviews, processing evidence, and reviewing data and analysis from evidentiary items sent to the crime lab for processing." The sheriff's office said it does not have "any additional information that would suggest there is a threat to public safety, particularly within the back country and remote areas of our region. To our knowledge, all trails and recreation sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service remain open to the public. However, we still encourage everyone who is outside recreating to remain vigilant and report any suspicious information to law enforcement." Arianna Cozart, an attorney representing Whitney Decker, previously told Newsweek: "Whitney's greatest hope in this moment is that Travis is found. That is what we all want." What's Next The sheriff's office has warned that Decker should be considered armed and dangerous. They urged anyone who sees him to immediately call 911 and not attempt to contact or approach him. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Manhunt for Travis Decker continues more than 2 weeks later
The manhunt for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran wanted in connection with the brutal slayings of his daughters, who were found dead earlier this month, entered just over two weeks on Tuesday, June 17. The children's mother, Whitney Decker, reported the girls missing on Friday, May 30, after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned visit with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office reported Monday, June 16, that their deputies and tactical teams were looking for Decker in the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas. In an online social media post, the department was asking residents to be alert for anyone suspicious. The law enforcement agency is located about an hour south of where the girls disappeared. The joint local, state and federal multi-jurisdictional hunt for Decker entered day 15 after deputies discovered the girls' bodies on June 2 at Rock Island Campground. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the lead agency on the triple murder case, reported a deputy found Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied. Also on June 16, Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier released a statement to Fox 13 news calling the case worse than "a nightmare" and reminding people to take care of one another, no matter the circumstances. "Everybody has nightmares, but can you image, this is beyond a nightmare. This is something that should affect us," the Seattle-based outlet reported the mayor said. "Never forget and remember to support each other in a time of need and even in not a time a need." USA TODAY contacted Poirier, who referenced his statement to Fox 13. Here's what to know about the case so far. Florida man pees on meat in store: $10,000 worth of food was urinated on in Sam's Club. State officials issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) for the school-age sisters on May 31. Washington State Patrol was originally contacted on May 30 to request an Amber Alert, but the situation "did not meet the required criteria" at the time, Wenatchee police said. The girls' father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached." Court filings obtained by USA TODAY say Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues before the girls' deaths. Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8'' and weighing 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. Travis Decker is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree kidnapping and three counts of first-degree custodial interference, police said. Authorities are asking for the community's assistance in locating him. As of June 17, a reward of up to $20,000 was being offered for information leading to his arrest, the sheriff's office confirmed. Opinion - Decker sisters needed protection: Our court system failed them. In the days after police announced the hunt for Decker, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY there had been dozens of alleged Decker sightings, including one investigated by the McCall Police Department in Idaho. The agency said it received reports of someone who looked like Decker in the western part of the Gem State. The small resort town of McCall is about 450 miles southwest of where the search for Decker is currently focused. Morrison told USA TODAY his office and law enforcement in Idaho had deemed the reports uncredible. Police could not say whether Decker was armed while on the lam. Anyone who sees him or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at Contributing: Anthony Robledo Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Search for Travis Decker continues more than 2 weeks later
USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
Manhunt for Travis Decker continues more than 2 weeks later
Manhunt for Travis Decker continues more than 2 weeks later Show Caption Hide Caption Manhunt for Travis Decker intensifies Authorities warn that Travis Decker, who is accused of kidnapping and killing his daughters, may be capable of surviving off the grid for months. Fox - Seattle The manhunt for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran wanted in connection with the brutal slayings of his daughters, who were found dead earlier this month, entered just over two weeks on Tuesday, June 17. The children's mother, Whitney Decker, reported the girls missing on Friday, May 30, after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned visit with their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office reported Monday, June 16, that their deputies and tactical teams were looking for Decker in the Teanaway Valley and Blewett Pass areas. In an online social media post, the department was asking residents to be alert for anyone suspicious. The law enforcement agency is located about an hour south of where the girls disappeared. The joint local, state and federal multi-jurisdictional hunt for Decker entered day 15 after deputies discovered the girls' bodies on June 2 at Rock Island Campground. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the lead agency on the triple murder case, reported a deputy found Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, lifeless with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied. Also on June 16, Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier released a statement to Fox 13 news calling the case worse than "a nightmare" and reminding people to take care of one another, no matter the circumstances. "Everybody has nightmares, but can you image, this is beyond a nightmare. This is something that should affect us," the Seattle-based outlet reported the mayor said. "Never forget and remember to support each other in a time of need and even in not a time a need." USA TODAY contacted Poirier, who referenced his statement to Fox 13. Here's what to know about the case so far. Florida man pees on meat in store: $10,000 worth of food was urinated on in Sam's Club. What date were the Decker girls reported missing? State officials issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) for the school-age sisters on May 31. Washington State Patrol was originally contacted on May 30 to request an Amber Alert, but the situation "did not meet the required criteria" at the time, Wenatchee police said. The girls' father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached." Court filings obtained by USA TODAY say Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues before the girls' deaths. What does Travis Decker look like? Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8'' and weighing 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. Is there an award for Travis Decker's arrest? Travis Decker is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree kidnapping and three counts of first-degree custodial interference, police said. Authorities are asking for the community's assistance in locating him. As of June 17, a reward of up to $20,000 was being offered for information leading to his arrest, the sheriff's office confirmed. Opinion - Decker sisters needed protection: Our court system failed them. Alleged Travis Decker sightings In the days after police announced the hunt for Decker, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY there had been dozens of alleged Decker sightings, including one investigated by the McCall Police Department in Idaho. The agency said it received reports of someone who looked like Decker in the western part of the Gem State. The small resort town of McCall is about 450 miles southwest of where the search for Decker is currently focused. Morrison told USA TODAY his office and law enforcement in Idaho had deemed the reports uncredible. Police could not say whether Decker was armed while on the lam. Anyone who sees him or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at Contributing: Anthony Robledo Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Three sisters found suffocated, zip tied after visit with father, manhunt underway
SHAH ALAM – A routine custody visit turned into a horrifying tragedy in Washington, United States (US), when three young sisters were found dead on June 2, just days after going missing during a scheduled visit with their father, Travis Decker. The victims – Paityn Decker (9), Evelyn Decker (8) and Olivia Decker (5) – had been in their father's care at the time of their disappearance. As authorities continue a nationwide search for the 32-year-old fugitive, troubling details have emerged about Decker's mental health, military background and the final moments of his daughters' lives. A Scheduled Visitation That Ended in Horror The Decker sisters were last seen alive on Friday, May 30, when their father Travis picked them up at 5pm for a planned custody visitation. Their mother, Whitney Decker, expected them home by 8pm, but they never returned. Concerned and sensing something was wrong, she reported them missing at 9.45pm. According to police, Travis had gone "outside the parameters" of the agreed parenting plan, which was considered "not normal and cause for alarm." The Wenatchee Police Department said at the time that the case did not initially meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, but an Endangered Missing Person Alert (Empa) was issued the following day. A Mother's Fears and Pleas In the time leading up to the tragedy, Whitney raised concerns about her children's safety due to Decker's worsening mental health. Court filings reviewed by The Seattle Times reveal that Whitney described Travis as having emotional and mental health struggles, which she said were the main reason their marriage ended and had significantly impacted their daughters. Despite these issues, she never intended to limit his time with the girls and wanted him to remain involved in their lives with at least a minimum level of contact. "He was in the Army for many years. Upon separation, his borderline personality disorder and narcissism became rampant. Travis just keeps getting more and more unstable. 'But he has got to get better for our girls,' she wrote in legal documents. Travis (left), his ex-wife Whitney (right) and their daughters. Photo: Edited via Canva The Shocking Discovery On June 2 at around 3.45pm, authorities found Decker's car near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington; about 112 kilometres east of Seattle. Not far from the vehicle, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. Court documents revealed the girls had plastic bags over their heads and their wrists were also zip tied or showed signs of being zip tied. The scene was strewn with zip ties, plastic bags, and other personal belongings, including car seats, blankets, food and a wallet on the truck's console. Bloodied handprints were found on the tailgate of the vehicle. The cause of death, according to a preliminary report cited by Fox 13 Seattle, is believed to be asphyxiation, a form of suffocation where the body is deprived of oxygen. A Father on the Run Travis remains missing as of June 5. Law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels have joined in an intensified manhunt. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him. The FBI, US Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol are now involved in the case. On June 4, drones were deployed by federal agents in the search. A $20,000 reward has been announced for information leading to Decker's arrest. Decker is described as 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair, a mustache and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured shirt and dark shorts. Military Past and Mental Decline According to multiple reports, Travis is a military veteran with extensive training in survival and wilderness tactics. He reportedly earned the elite Army 'Ranger' tab and served as an instructor at the Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia, US. Since 2021, he was affiliated with the Washington National Guard but had stopped showing up to his monthly drills and disciplinary discharge proceedings had begun. The last drill he attended was roughly a year ago, Fox 13 reported. His ex-wife had disclosed that Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and she believed he was not on medication. Olivia (left), Paityn (centre) and Evelyn. Photo: X Charges Filed Against Decker Authorities have charged Travis with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping, in addition to earlier charges of custodial interference. As the manhunt continues, investigators say Decker's cell phone data shows he had visited the Rock Island Campground the day before picking up his daughters. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though investigators are combing through court documents, digital records and witness statements for answers. Community in Mourning The girls' mother, Whitney, has received support from friends and the wider community. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Amy Edwards, who described the tragedy as heartbreaking. 'We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed. Their light touched so many and the pain of this loss is immeasurable. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces,' Amy said. The deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia have shaken Washington's community and beyond. As the search continues for Travis, authorities are asking for public vigilance and continued tips to help bring closure to a deeply tragic case.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Where is Travis Decker now? Authorities issue alert in this area with special Father's Day message
A massive manhunt for Travis Decker, a triple-murder suspect, is underway in the United States. Decker, 32, has been accused of killing his three minor daughters – Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. The three children were found murdered in Washington after being last seen leaving to be with Decker on a "planned visitation.' The search for Decker is active in Kittitas County, with deputies asking residents and visitors to remain vigilant. On Father's Day, the Kittitas County Sheriff shared a Facebook post urging the public to contact authorities if they know anything about the suspect's whereabouts. 'KCSO deputies and Kittitas County Regional Tactical Response Team members are still active in the border areas of our county nearest the last believed location of suspected murderer Travis Decker,' the post reads. 'We ask everyone, especially in the northern reaches of our county, to be alert for suspicious peo, dad accused of killing his 3 minor girls in Washington?ple or circumstances. If you see Travis Decker, call 911 immediately. If you believe you have intelligence about him or this investigation in our county, call Kittcom at 509-925-8534.' It adds, 'A special thanks to 97 Rock House coffee for their hospitality, including parking, throughout this operation. And to all the men and women in law enforcement who are apart from their families this Father's Day: Thank you for your work to seek justice for the victims in this incident and to keep our community safe.' Officials previously said that Decker, who is homeless,is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping. Police said he is a former member of the military with "extensive training' and may pose a "significant risk.' Decker was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. He has been described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes.
