Authorities Urge Caution as Manhunt for Travis Decker Intensifies | June 7, 2025 | Pacific Crest Trail, Washington
Local authorities have issued urgent safety warnings as the search for Travis Decker, the father accused of suffocating his three young daughters, continues near the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington state.
Decker, 33, is wanted in connection with the deaths of 9-year-old Peyton, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker. The heartbreaking case has gripped the community, with exclusive photos shared by the girls’ mother revealing Decker’s identifying tattoos and family ties.
An Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Decker is believed to be suffering from PTSD and is described by authorities as highly skilled in outdoor survival. Former U.S. Marshal Lenny DePaul explains that Decker’s military training makes him a formidable fugitive. “He knows how to light fires, find shelter, hunt, and source water,” DePaul said. “He could potentially survive in the wilderness for months.”
Residents near the search area are advised to lock their doors, leave exterior lights on at night, and keep blinds or curtains open as a precaution. Authorities emphasize the seriousness of the situation, urging people to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
The manhunt also coincides with the ongoing search for another fugitive: former Arkansas police chief Grant Harden, dubbed the “Devil in the Ozarks,” who escaped prison nearly two weeks ago. Harden is wanted for rape and murder and remains at large in rugged terrain, complicating efforts to capture him.
Law enforcement officials continue to deploy search teams and resources as they work tirelessly to bring these dangerous fugitives to justice and ensure community safety.
