Police ‘Closing In’ on Travis Decker, Father Accused of Killing His Three Daughters

The former soldier has been on the run after authorities discovered daughters' bodies near a campground over a week ago. Investigators have now shared a promising update.

Police have found a solid lead in the manhunt for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of murdering his three children: Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5.

The homeless ex-military serviceman had picked the girls up from his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, on May 30 for a planned visit as part of their visitation schedule. Travis was supposed to return them that evening, but when he failed to, Whitney reported them missing.

They were found dead days later, on June 2, near the Rock Island Campground, bound with zip ties and with plastic bags over their heads. Travis's pickup was parked nearby.

The discovery sparked a widespread manhunt, with law enforcement urging the public not to approach Travis, but to call 911 if he is seen. Recently, a group of backpackers reported a lone hiker near Colchuck Lake, who seemed underequipped for the conditions.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office subsequently deployed ground teams and K-9 units to investigate. They located the lone hiker, who fled on foot when a police helicopter arrived in the area.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison revealed during a press conference Wednesday that investigators recovered items they believe belong to Travis. "We have found items that are of interest to us that we perceive could be from Mr. Decker," he said.

"We have also followed up with some of his friends and family and we believe that we are closing in on his trail," he continued.

Later on, he added, "We feel pretty confident that it could be him. But again, we're not going to say 100% until we have him in our grip."