FBI, Chelan Sheriff's detectives renew manhunt for murderer

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison updated citizens Monday in a letter released on social media and at an afternoon press briefing, on the renewed search for evidence to the whereabouts of a Wenatchee man, accused in the murder of his three young daughters.

No new evidence was found in the first day of a ground search for evidence leading to Travis Decker. The FBI coordinated a return to the Rock Island Campground, west of Leavenworth, looking for any new clues.

"Based on information we've received back on behavioral analysis on a possible outcome on how this (the commission of murder) may have gone, we wanted to expand our efforts out," said Morrison at a Monday afternoon press conference in Leavenworth. "We want to support and provide a solid foundation for our investigation in areas that we have searched, for future investigators. We're going to continue to do a thorough search and continue to expand out around the initial crime scene to ensure we didn't miss anything."

Sheriff Morrison thanked the public for acknowledging road and trail closures in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which he says, allows investigators to operate safely and efficiently in a ground search that continued Tuesday. Up to 100 law enforcement officers and search and rescue volunteers are involved.

Morrison said the search area includes rugged U.S. Forest Service land with steep slopes, thick brush, poor cell service, and unpredictable conditions.

“While this latest operation may or may not yield new findings, our promise is that we will not stop until we have exhausted every possible avenue to find him and to bring closure to this case,” Morrison said.

The U.S. Marshals Service continues to offer a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker’s arrest.

Read Sheriff Morrison's letter here:

August 25th, 2025

To the citizens of Chelan County,

As your Sheriff, I want to take a moment to personally thank you and our law enforcement partners for their continued support, collaboration, and dedication in the search for Travis Decker, who remains wanted for three counts of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Kidnapping in the First Degree.

This case has shaken the foundation of our county. The lives of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker were taken in a senseless and unimaginable act of violence. Our hearts remain with their loved ones, and we are unwavering in our commitment to seeking justice on their behalf.

Beginning today, Monday, August 25, through Tuesday, August 26, the FBI Seattle Office will be leading federal, state, and local agencies in conducting a coordinated search near Rock Island Campground outside of Leavenworth, Washington. This targeted effort will again cover rugged and heavily forested terrain within U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land. We are grateful to the USFS for their continued cooperation and support in this continued investigation.

The areas being searched are extremely challenging with steep hillsides, dense brush, minimal cell service, and unpredictable conditions. Over the past three months, investigative teams, led by your Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit, have pursued every lead and searched vast, remote areas in the hope of locating Travis Decker or any evidence that might bring us closer to answers. This has been a painstaking and difficult task, and I want to personally commend all involved for their dedication.

As previously mentioned, the search effort is being coordinated by the FBI Seattle Field Office, who has brought nearly 100 personnel including:

• Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and Task Force Officers.

• Specialty units such as the Evidence Response Team, SWAT, electronics technicians, medical personnel, and a mobile command post.

• Experts from the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) and Laboratory Division, who bring national expertise in child abduction cases, crisis response, and forensic analysis.

These resources demonstrate the seriousness with which every agency is approaching this case. I also want to acknowledge the other partner agencies:

• U.S. Marshals Service

• Port of Seattle Police Department

• Yakima Police Department

• Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

• Washington State Patrol

• U.S. Forest Service – Wenatchee River District

• U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division

• Central Washington University – Anthropology Department

I understand that this search requires the closure of roads, trails, and campgrounds during the height of our busy summer recreation season. I recognize the inconvenience this causes and sincerely thank the public for your continued patience and understanding. Your cooperation allows the involved teams to operate safely and efficiently.

At this time, no conclusive evidence has been found to indicate whether Travis Decker is alive or deceased. We continue to follow every credible lead. While this latest operation may or may not yield new findings, our promise is that we will

not stop until we have exhausted every possible avenue to find him and to bring closure to this case.

The U.S. Marshals Service continues to offer a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to his arrest. He should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach and call 911 immediately.

If you have any information related to his whereabouts, please contact:

• Your local U.S. Marshals Office

• The U.S. Marshals Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102

• Submit a tip at: www.usmarshals.gov/tips

To our communities: I know how painful and heavy this case has been and continues to be. You have shown grace, patience, and strength through unimaginable tragedy. Please know that your sheriff’s office and every agency involved has been and remains committed to doing everything in our power to find the person responsible and to deliver justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia.

We remain guided by our mission: to faithfully serve, protect, and stand beside the citizens of this county. We are of the people, for the people and we will never waiver in our pursuit of safety, justice, and truth.

Respectfully,

Michael L. Morrison

Chelan County Sheriff