Decker manhunt: FBI-led search revisits crime scene

LEAVENWORTH – The search for Travis Decker returned to the Rock Island Campground area Monday, where federal, state and local partners launched a coordinated grid search led by the FBI’s Seattle office.

Decker is wanted for the kidnapping and murder of his daughters – Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn – whose bodies were discovered near the campground on June 2.

Authorities said the effort is not driven by new developments – reiterating that there is no evidence to suggest whether Decker is dead or alive – but by a need to thoroughly clear and document the rugged terrain where the crime occurred.

“We want to support and provide a solid foundation for our investigation and what areas we have searched for future investigators when they come on scene, if we haven't settled this or found Travis the next couple of years,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison during a press conference.

The sheriff emphasized that a thorough search was conducted initially, but this additional search would provide the technology, personnel and resources needed to ensure no stone was left unturned or undocumented.

FBI Seattle brought in nearly 100 personnel, including specialty teams and equipment, and FBI headquarters staff from the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) and Laboratory Division. Additional search partners include Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), U.S. Marshals Service, police departments from Yakima and Seattle, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Central Washington University Anthropology Department.

“It is such incredibly dense vegetation that anybody who walks down one of these trails could walk 10 meters off the trail and no one would ever know they're there…It's going to be documented electronically and visually – what ground has been searched, what's been cleared – so that potentially future teams that come in don't need to go over the same thing,” said Peter Orth, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent from FBI Seattle’s Yakima and Tri-Cities offices.

The search is expected to go through Tuesday, with the option to expand the time frame if necessary. Campgrounds and trails in the area will remain closed to the public until Wednesday morning, or until further notice. The closure includes Rock Island Campground, Blackpine Horse Campground, Chatter Creek Campground, and multiple nearby trails and forest roads. Roads leading to Ida Creek Campground remain open.

While FBI Seattle is leading the two-day search, CCSO is still the lead agency in the investigation. 

Sightings of Decker should be reported to 911 immediately. Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him.

The United States Marshals Service is still offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Anyone with information about Decker or his whereabouts should contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips: www.usmarshals.gov/tips. 

Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media