Travis Decker Manhunt Hits Shocking Dead End with DNA Mismatch

June 28, 2025: The serene beauty of the Enchantments, a beloved wilderness area near Leavenworth, Washington, has been marred by a heart-wrenching tragedy and an ongoing manhunt that has now stretched into its fourth week.

On May 30, what was supposed to be a routine, three-hour joint custody visit turned into a nightmare when the bodies of three young sisters—9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia—were found near a remote campsite by Icicle Creek. Authorities say the girls were murdered by their father, Travis Decker, a 40-year-old Army veteran with survivalist training.

The area, usually echoing with the laughter of hikers and the rush of clear mountain water, now stands quiet and haunted, the sound of helicopters fading as search efforts dwindle.

A Mother’s Grief and a Community in Mourning

“They were incredible,” said Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, during a public memorial last weekend. “I truly hope that the legacy of the girls’ lives stays in everyone’s hearts forever.”

Decker has not been seen since the day of the murders. The manhunt initially mobilized dozens of officers, K-9 units, helicopters, and drones, but as days turned into weeks, authorities have admitted leads have dried up.

Survivalist Background Complicates the Search

Decker’s military background has made the search particularly difficult. According to court documents, Decker served in Afghanistan and was trained in survival, navigation, and long-distance movement in mountainous terrain. He had also reportedly lived off the grid for nearly three months in the past.

“Eventually, he’s going to tire. He’s going to make a mistake,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said in the early days of the manhunt.

However, law enforcement agencies, including the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals, have since acknowledged that progress has stalled. “At this time, there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area,” a June 26 statement said.

Signs He May Have Fled to Canada

Digital forensics revealed Decker’s internet searches included phrases like “how does a person move to Canada” in the days leading up to the murders. Authorities also noted his last known campsite was less than 12 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, which leads north into Canada.

“He left breadcrumbs,” said a U.S. Marshal, referencing the online activity. “But it’s a trail that quickly goes cold in wilderness like this.”

Charges and National Search

Travis Decker is charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder. Investigators say he suffocated the girls using plastic bags shortly after taking them from their mother. Authorities are asking for the public’s help and have issued a national alert.

“We will not stop,” said one U.S. Marshal involved in the case. “Whether it takes days or months, we will find him.”

Anyone with information about Travis Decker’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local authorities or the U.S. Marshals Service.