Federal Authorities End Idaho Search After False Sighting
BOISE, Idaho — A multi-agency manhunt in the Sawtooth National Forest was officially called off Wednesday after authorities confirmed the man spotted near Bear Creek was not Travis Decker, the fugitive wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters in Washington state.
The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force launched the search over the weekend after a family camping near Bear Creek reported seeing someone matching Decker’s description, including his height, build, hair, beard, and distinctive tattoos on his arm and calf.
Additional tips followed, prompting a collaborative search effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement teams.
Hiker Found, Ruled Out as Fugitive
On Wednesday afternoon, search teams located the man seen near Bear Creek. After interviewing him and confirming his recent hiking activity in the area, authorities ruled him out as Travis Decker, according to Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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“Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend,” Leigh stated in a press release.
Background: Who is Travis Decker?
Travis Decker, a former soldier, has been on the run since June 2, when a sheriff’s deputy in Washington discovered his truck and the bodies of his three daughters—9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker—at a campground near Leavenworth, Washington.
The discovery came three days after Decker failed to return the girls to their mother in Wenatchee, following a scheduled visitation.
Authorities believe Decker may be hiding in remote wilderness areas. On June 10, hikers reported spotting a lone man appearing ill-prepared for alpine conditions near a remote lake in the Cascade Range, but the lead went cold.
Reward Offered for Decker’s Capture
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to Decker’s arrest and capture. Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any credible sightings or information that could aid in the fugitive investigation.
If you have information about Travis Decker’s whereabouts, contact your local authorities or the U.S. Marshals tip line immediately.
What This Means for Public Safety
This case highlights the challenges of tracking fugitives in vast wilderness terrain and the potential for mistaken identity to divert valuable resources. However, law enforcement remains committed to finding Decker and ensuring justice for the lives lost.
