FBI-led grid search near Leavenworth yields potential evidence in Travis Decker investigation

LEAVENWORTH — A  two-day grid search within the vicinity of the Rock Island Campground concluded Tuesday with several recovered items that could be tied to the investigation into Travis Decker.

The FBI-led search intended to locate Decker, discover signs of his whereabouts, or find any other evidence of the murder of his three daughters – Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn – whose bodies were discovered near the campground on June 2. Authorities maintained that the search effort was not driven by new developments, but by a need to thoroughly clear and document the rugged terrain where the crime occurred. 

More than 100 personnel were deployed in multiple teams during the two-day mission, which searched and documented over one million square meters, or 247 acres – covering the primary search perimeter and beyond, said FBI Seattle.

“A search of this magnitude and detail has not previously taken place in this area,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, in a written statement.

According to FBI Seattle, several items were recovered by search personnel and are currently being examined to determine if they are related to the investigation; final results will take time.

“Finding this potential evidence emphasizes the value in having various teams search an area multiple times, especially in such challenging conditions,” said Herrington.

The electronic mapping of this search effort will also be provided to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and federal partners.

The operation’s search partners included the Chelan and Spokane County Sheriff’s Offices, the U.S. Marshals Service, Port of Seattle and Yakima police departments, the U.S. Forest Service’s Wenatchee River District, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and Central Washington University’s Anthropology Department.

“FBI Seattle is committed to our continued collaboration with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to locate Decker and are committed to bringing every available FBI resource that will advance this case for as long as it takes,” said Herrington.

While FBI Seattle led the search, CCSO is still the lead agency in the investigation. 

Sightings of Decker should be reported to 911 immediately. Authorities advise that Decker should be considered dangerous and warn residents not to attempt to approach or contact him.

The United States Marshals Service is still offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest. Anyone with information about Decker or his whereabouts should contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips: www.usmarshals.gov/tips. 

Decker, 32, of the Wenatchee area, is described as a white male, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media