Nearly three months into the tragic case of three young girls in Washington state, the FBI is intensifying its search for their father, Travis Decker. Local authorities continue to look for clues about his whereabouts, as Sheriff Michael Morrison announced on Monday.
The search is focused near Rock Island Campground, not far from where the girls’ bodies and Decker’s truck were discovered on June 2. Sheriff Morrison described the area as tough to navigate, filled with steep hills and dense vegetation. “These conditions make our search incredibly challenging,” he stated.
So far, the investigation hasn’t confirmed Decker’s status—whether he is alive or deceased remains uncertain. DNA tests earlier this month identified the former Army soldier as the primary suspect in the murders of 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia. He became a suspect when he failed to return the girls to their mother after a scheduled visit, prompting her to alert the police.
The FBI’s ongoing search is set to continue through Tuesday and involves nearly 100 personnel, including agents and specialists from the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group. “You can’t be too thorough in a search like this,” said Peter Orth, a supervisory agent with the FBI. He noted the dense foliage could easily hide someone, even just a few meters off the trail.
Sheriff Morrison thanked the public for their understanding as the search closed roads and campgrounds in the area. He expressed his commitment to finding Decker and delivering justice for the girls.
A reward of up to $20,000 is available for any information that leads to Decker’s arrest. This case has deeply affected the local community and has sparked conversations on social media about child safety and justice. Many users have expressed their outrage and sorrow, highlighting the need for ongoing support for families affected by such violence.
In a recent survey from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, nearly 70% of respondents mentioned that they were concerned about rising instances of child abduction. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting children.
For more information, visit the FBI’s page on missing children.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation, Murder, Washington
