Authorities in Washington are continuing their search for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, and have released new images as they ask for the public’s help while he remains on the run.
On Saturday, June 7, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) posted a wanted poster on Facebook with several new photos and a few previously released images of the murder suspect, including some that highlight his tattoos and wardrobe.
Decker, who is charged with one count of kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, appears in the photos with his hair pulled back and tattoos on his arm and ankles.
According to the poster, Decker, 32, was last seen wearing a tan or green T-shirt, which he had previously photographed in, with dark shorts.
He is 5’8 with black hair and brown eyes, according to the CCSO, and he is “dangerous” and “may be armed.”
In a June 7 update, the CCSO stated that hundreds of law enforcement officers are searching “dozens of structures and forests” in the area.
“We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants,” the organization’s statement continued, adding that a local road was reopened after authorities found “no credible threat.”
“However, we ask that the public remain vigilant as they return to Chelan County’s recreation areas. We have informed the USFS that they can reopen the recreation areas as well,” the CCSO said.
Authorities are urging residents to check their doorbell cameras, to contact authorities if they see anything useful in the search, and to “not attempt, contact, or approach” Decker if they see the suspect.
According to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, the Independent, and NBC Right Now, authorities were concerned that Decker was attempting to flee the country after allegedly searching for phrases such as “how to relocate to Canada” and “how does a person move to Canada” on May 26.
According to the affidavit, he also looked up information on a Canadian job site.
Decker’s daughters were last seen on May 30, during a “planned visitation” with their father. The Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) issued an endangered missing persons alert the following day.
On June 2, authorities canceled the alert and announced the discovery of the three girls’ remains.
Fox 13 Seattle reported that Decker’s pickup truck was discovered near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., where the bodies were found.
A preliminary report obtained by the outlet lists their suspected cause of death as “asphyxiation.” Fox 13 also reported that investigators discovered a blanket, a wallet, food, and car seats for the girls inside Decker’s vehicle, which had two bloody handprints.
The suspect “drove to and left the same campground a day prior to the kidnapping,” according to court documents obtained by the outlet.
ABC News reports that police are now offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to Decker’s arrest.
Arianna Cozart, an attorney for the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, told PEOPLE on June 6 that “everybody cares that Travis is found for peace of mind if nothing else.”
Anyone who sees Decker should immediately call 911 or the CCSO at 509-667-6845. A form may also be submitted to a tip line.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in over 170 languages.
