Tourists are steadily arriving at the Cascades region. Authorities express optimism that the influx may aid in locating a man suspected of murdering his daughters.
In the picturesque Cascades near Leavenworth, Washington, a manhunt has been underway for over a month, with the focus on finding Travis Decker, a man accused of killing his three daughters. The search began in early June 2025, following the gruesome discovery of the bodies of Olivia (5), Evelyn (8), and Paityn (9) at an abandoned campsite on June 2.
**The Search and the Search Area**
Initially, the search centred around extensive forested areas around Leavenworth, including popular hiking regions such as the Enchantments and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). However, as the search progressed, the area of focus has been narrowed and adjusted, with authorities covering steep and heavily forested terrain of the Enchantments wilderness and surrounding areas. Trails and recreation areas, initially closed to facilitate the search, have been reopened for day use, though overnight camping restrictions remain in some sections during active search periods.
Despite intense searches, by late June 2025, officials indicated there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or still in the area. Resources have shifted to also focus on finding his remains should he have died trying to evade capture.
**Resources Deployed**
The manhunt has seen the involvement of hundreds of law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies, including the Washington National Guard, who provide helicopter transportation to access remote and rugged areas, enhancing the efficiency of the search efforts. Law enforcement has conducted thorough ground searches of forests, rivers, and structures in the area. Public assistance has been solicited, including reviewing doorbell and security camera footage and reporting any suspicious sightings. A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
**The Community's Response**
The search has been difficult for those involved and the community. Roadblocks and recreation area closures were used initially but have been lifted as no credible threat was found in certain zones, although authorities remain vigilant. The busy summer season is hoped to bring answers in the search for Decker, as more people will be camping and hiking in the area.
**The Case's Emotional Impact**
For Sheriff Morrison, a father himself, this case is particularly emotional. He wants to assure the victims' family that his team won't give up. Morrison estimates that the search has cost "well over" $6 million in the first month. A bloody fingerprint believed to be a match for Decker was found on the truck's tailgate. Local authorities were in contact with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who "were doing some follow-up on some leads we had up in Canada."
As the search continues, authorities remain committed to capturing Decker to face justice while managing the challenging terrain and conditions of the Washington Cascades. The community remains hopeful that answers will soon be found, and justice will be served.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/03/us/washington-missing-children-search/index.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/04/us/washington-missing-girls.html [3] https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/search-for-missing-washington-girls-expands-into-cascades-wilderness/ [4] https://www.krem.com/news/local-news/search-for-missing-girls-expands-into-cascades-wilderness/article_3a388974-a814-5f7f-a3a6-b32a9f66e6e5.html
- The manhunt for Travis Decker, the man accused of killing his daughters, has drawn attention not only in the local general-news but also in national and international politics, as the case is seen as a significant crime-and-justice issue.
- As the search for Travis Decker continues, the community in and around Leavenworth, Washington, has been closely following the case, hoping for a resolution that brings justice to the families of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn, and ensuring the safety of all its residents.
