Tip leads authorities to Blewett Pass area in Travis Decker manhunt

BLEWETT PASS – Authorities say they have tracked a subject believed to be Travis Decker into the Blewett Pass/ Highway 97 area.

In a June 10 update, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said it recently received a tip from a hiking party who spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area. The party said they spotted someone “who appeared to be ill prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others.” 

Search teams immediately responded to the tip, also spotting a lone, off trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake, who ran from sight as the helicopter passed. Additional assets were called in while a plan to track the individual was developed. CCSO said teams later picked up a trail and deployed canines to the area, tracking the subject to the Ingalls Creek Trailhead area, located along Highway 97.

Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his daughters — Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. Their bodies were discovered June 2 near Rock Island Campground following a weekend-long search prompted by a missed custodial exchange.

A warning to the Ingalls Creek and Valley Hi community was issued on Monday evening, and was extended the next day. As the search continues, authorities are asking those in the area to report any suspicious activity, lock doors and vehicles, and look out for their neighbor’s property. Those with any cameras, including trail cameras, in the area are asked to check them or submit a tip to the US Marshal’s tip line with a location of the camera for law enforcement to check.

According to the update, U.S. Border Patrol has taken over operations and command for the search, continuing to follow up on tips from the community while working with other federal entities. Local and regional partners are assisting where needed. CCSO detectives are continuing to work on the murder investigation, processing evidence and tracking down more potential evidence to build a case for prosecution.

Authorities are asking hikers who have been in the Enchantments area within the last week to reach out to the tip line immediately if they have seen anything suspicious.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him. If you see or believe you have seen Decker, call 911 immediately.

He is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison and a representative from the U.S. Marshal’s Service will conduct a press conference at the Chelan County Courthouse stairs at 4 p.m. on June 11.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media