Authorities in Washington have escalated their search for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three daughters, with an intensive manhunt resulting in the closure of several trails across the North Cascades, including a stretch of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. According to KIRO 7's report, Decker's truck was located in Leavenworth, Washington, and the bodies of the girls were discovered nearby on Monday. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has advised the public to avoid the area and for local residents to remain vigilant, especially those living in secluded cabins, and to keep their doors locked.
In a bid to locate Decker, the North Cascades National Park has restricted access to several trails within its confines, as reported by MyNorthwest. The warning, issued by the sheriff's office, encompasses several counties and further extends precautions, calling for residents to be aware of police patrols that have been circling the area around the clock. The Pacific Crest Trail Association echoed this call for caution, detailing the closure of numerous connected trails and backcountry campsites within the search perimeter.
Amidst the ongoing search, the authorities believe Decker may have been traversing the region's backcountry. As Backpacker Magazine published, key trails like Thunder Creek and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail will remain off-limits until at least June 18, unless further notice is given, with the Forest Service taking precautions in the Icicle Creek area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The girls, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, ages 9, 8, and 5 respectively, were found dead after Decker failed to return them to their mother, leading to charges against Decker that include first-degree murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference.
The backdrop of this tragic incident includes a contentious custody battle, as revealed through court documents. "Whitney Decker asked a court to temporarily take away Travis Decker's overnight custody rights," according to prior reporting by Backpacker Magazine, citing concerns over her ex-husband's living situation and his failure to provide safe housing for the children.
