Police adopt new strategies in continuous hunt for suspect Travis Decker, now entering its third week as the manhunt persists.
Manhunt for Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, enters its third week with a change in tactics from Washington state law enforcement. In a recent press conference, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison announced a pivot away from the initial strategy due to its financial burden on smaller, more rural counties.
Initially, the sheriff's office deployed aircraft and drones at an estimated cost of over $2 million. However, these resources proved unsustainable for long-term use. According to Morrison, aerial assets will still be utilized when necessary, but national guard helicopters will not be spending extended hours searching for the suspect.
Travis Decker, 32, went missing since May 30, and his three daughters—Olivia (5), Evelyn (8), and Paityn (9)—were found on June 2, suffocated at an isolated campsite east of Seattle. Since then, an extensive manhunt spanning hundreds of square miles has taken place.
Decker is charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. A reward of up to $20,000 is offered for any reliable information leading to his arrest.
Joining local law enforcement efforts, the U.S. Marshal's Service will soon implement their Rapidly Advancing Manhunt (RAM) program. This program covers funding, resources, and technical assistance to aid in the investigation, ensuring efficient navigation of the terrain and Decker's apprehension.
In a press conference, Chief Jerome Brown of the Eastern District of Washington's US Marshals Service emphasized the importance of inundating the area with resources and coordinating the search efforts. Sheriff Morrison added that as the situation evolves and information becomes scarce, they will seek partner agencies more experienced in long-term searches.
The latest lead on Decker's trail emerged on Tuesday, with the sheriff's office tracking a potential sighting of the suspect in the Blewett Pass area of Washington. Authorities are actively pursuing this lead. Initial tips indicated a person avoiding others, likely Decker, who appeared ill-prepared for the trail conditions.
Residents in the affected area are urged to lock their homes and cars and report any suspicious activity. Law enforcement appreciates the community's support and cooperation through this heart-wrenching ordeal.
Regarding the suspect's history, Decker, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, had a history of survival training and an interest in Canada. Court documents suggest he made searches related to finding a job in Canada and moving to Canada days before his disappearance. The Pacific Crest Trail, running all the way to the Canadian border, is located less than a dozen miles from the crime scene, providing Decker with potential escape routes.
Decker's ex-wife shared that her former husband had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, involving extreme mood fluctuations, unstable interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Whitney Decker informed authorities that Travis Decker had refused to seek mental health treatment and anger management as required by their most recent parenting agreement. At the time of his disappearance, he was homeless, living in motels and campgrounds.
The search for Decker continues, with the U.S. Border Patrol now in command, utilizing national guard members and other support services to locate the elusive fugitive.
Politics surrounding Decker's manhunt may be influenced, as the general-news narrative shifts towards the financial burden and resource allocation in the largest manhunt in recent general-news history. The crime-and-justice aspect arises with the question of whether budget constraints could affect the pursuit and eventual justice for the victims and their families.
