Authorities Follow New Lead in Search for Travis Decker
Federal and local law enforcement are investigating a possible sighting of Travis Decker, a Washington state man accused of killing his three young daughters, in a remote area of Idaho.
The U.S. Marshals Service said a family camping in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest reported seeing a man matching Decker’s description over the Fourth of July weekend.
Tip Places Decker in Idaho Wilderness
The Bear Creek area, located between the Sawtooth and Boise national forests and about 100 miles east of Boise, is now the focus of search efforts. Officials are asking anyone who visited the area during the holiday weekend to come forward with information.
A search team including the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Camas County Sheriff’s Office began canvassing the area on Monday, speaking with residents, campers, and hikers. Authorities also warned motorists against picking up hitchhikers, noting Decker’s history of hitchhiking.
Background on the Case
Decker has been wanted since June 2, when deputies discovered the bodies of his three daughters — Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 — at a campsite outside Leavenworth, Washington. The girls’ bodies were found down an embankment near his abandoned truck, with blood evidence at the scene matching Decker’s DNA, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
The discovery came three days after he failed to return the girls to their mother following a scheduled visit.
Previous Sightings and Ongoing Search
Authorities reported a possible sighting of Decker in Washington in early June near a remote alpine lake, but no confirmed contact was made. Last month, investigators noted it was unclear whether Decker remained in the area or if he was still alive.
On Sunday, the Marshals Service renewed its appeal for information, offering a reward of up to $20,000 for tips that lead to Decker’s capture.
Eric Toms, a supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal, said the agency is evaluating all tips received since the new statement was released and is actively pursuing credible leads.
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