WASHINGTON MANHUNT – Ex-Soldier Armed and HIDING!

A former Army Ranger is wanted for the brutal murder of his three daughters, sparking a massive manhunt across Washington’s wilderness as law enforcement battles time and terrain.

At a Glance

• Travis Decker, 32, is wanted for killing his three young daughters
• Victims were found asphyxiated with zip ties and plastic bags
• Decker’s elite military training helps him survive off-grid
• Helicopters and patrols are scouring the Okanogan-Wenatchee wilderness
• Public warned: Decker is dangerous and possibly armed

Fugitive Father in the Wild

Washington authorities are urgently searching for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old former Army Ranger from Wenatchee, accused of murdering his daughters—Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. The girls were found dead in a wooded area near Leavenworth, showing signs of asphyxiation with zip ties and plastic bags, in what officials have called an unthinkable crime.

Decker’s military background gives him a formidable edge. He reportedly trained extensively in survival tactics, often disappearing into the wilderness for weeks at a time. His ability to live off the grid, coupled with knowledge of the region’s terrain, is significantly complicating search efforts.

Watch a report: Search Intensifies for Former Ranger After Daughters Found Dead.

Tactical Challenges and Community Despair

Authorities believe Decker may be hiding in the rugged expanse of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, possibly using pre-positioned caches to prolong his time on the run. His abandoned vehicle, found near the crime scene and marked with blood, has fueled speculation about his possible route and state of mind.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said, “He would go out and would be living off-grid for sometimes up to two and a half months,” underscoring how long Decker may remain elusive. Air and ground patrols are sweeping the area, and residents are urged to secure property and report suspicious activity.

Grief has rippled through local communities. Public vigils continue, and a GoFundMe campaign for the victims’ mother, Whitney Decker, has raised over $900,000, reflecting national outpourings of sympathy and shock.

System Failures and Mental Health Concerns

Decker’s past shows multiple red flags. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, he had previously lost full custody of his daughters. His ex-wife, Whitney, repeatedly raised alarms about his mental state, but received little institutional support. Arianna Cozart, a family friend, told ABC News: “If somebody would have provided Travis with the help that he needed, those girls would be alive.”

The case is also prompting scrutiny of Amber Alert policies. Despite Decker’s history and military background, no alert was issued. As Cozart noted, “When there is a parent with limited visitation that has this history of mental health issues and is a military veteran with the training necessary to kill 100 different ways, that Amber Alert should have been issued.”

Sheriff Morrison has issued a direct plea to the suspect: “Travis, if you’re out there seeing us, we’d like you to turn yourself in. We want a peaceful resolution to this.” As the manhunt intensifies, communities remain tense, knowing that a dangerous and highly skilled fugitive may still be lurking nearby.