Found Deceased WA - Olivia 5, Evelyn 8 & Paityn Decker 9, found dead, manhunt on for father, Travis Decker 32, wh 2017 GMC Sierra PU, Wenatchee, 30 May 2025 #2

[ReadySet]

Travis Decker manhunt focuses on Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest

Marshals said they are beginning to receive tips from the public, are checking each one, and hope one of the tips will help catch Decker.

www.ktvb.com

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking information from anyone who was in the Bear Creek area, which is 32 miles north of Fairfield, in the Sawtooth National Forest, within the last 24 hours.

 

[iamshadow21]

It's clear this tip is being taken seriously, and they wouldn't put it out unless there was a reasonable chance it was him. My issue is that this is something like 570 miles away. It just makes little sense.

Unless he had a second vehicle and used that to drive a long distance from the crime scene.

MOO

 

[marloweclover]

That is relatively close to me, in the places-people-go-for-the-weekend radius. Creepy. As far as the ears and details go, this is Idaho. Imo and ime, as a fairly regular solo+dog camper, solos attract a little notice because it's not the average situation around here. If I choose to set up near other people, they often want to converse about how I'm not afraid, how long do I stay out for, etc. If I acted odd or unsociable or looked "different," they'd probably remember me, imo.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Surely LE and search and

Crazy if this is him.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1942061800129958191

Just when I was starting to think he harmed himself and no threat, we get this curve ball! Very interesting!

 

[Twistinginthewind]

Hoping it's him!! For context, it's (Edited, sorry, something was off with original input/output on the estimate) 208 hours walking distance estimate from Chelan County, WA to the Sawtooth National Park in Idaho on google maps directions.

So 26 days if walking 8 hours a day.

So not beyond the realm of possibility for him to have hiked there over the last month.

Along with the description given that sounds like him, hoping beyond all hope, it's him and LE will be swooping in on him soon!

MOO

 

[Lalalacasbah]

That is relatively close to me, in the places-people-go-for-the-weekend radius. Creepy. As far as the ears and details go, this is Idaho. Imo and ime, as a fairly regular solo+dog camper, solos attract a little notice because it's not the average situation around here. If I choose to set up near other people, they often want to converse about how I'm not afraid, how long do I stay out for, etc. If I acted odd or unsociable or looked "different," they'd probably remember me, imo.

Thanks for that local info. Are there lots of families out that way on weekends or more hardcore hikers? Is it relatively busy?

 

[Lalalacasbah]

So many questions about this possible sighting!

His clothing description sounds so casual, would his clothes have lasted that long on the run? Did he pack extra? They don't sound like camo-like attire where one could hide in the bush with and not stand out in some way.

His clothes/description sound a bit youthful as well. Wonder if he got them off someone else?

Does he have a history of wearing Vans or converse or that style? Or has he previously owned or been seen with a JanSport backpack?

 

[airportwoman]

I just hope this isn't another false alarm.

 

[marloweclover]

Thanks for that local info. Are there lots of families out that way on weekends or more hardcore hikers? Is it relatively busy?

Jmo, on a holiday weekend you'd get families. Many, many people I know load up the camper and head into the Sawtooths for the 4th. Imo that site wouldn't be actively crowded because it's not on a direct route between any actual towns, and it doesn't have installed water, which is another nope for some people, but it does have a bathroom, and a creek, which is an attraction.

Sawtooth National Forest : Recreation Site - Bear Creek Transfer Camp

 

[Twistinginthewind]

Hoping it's him!! For context, it's (Edited, sorry, something was off with original input/output on the estimate) 208 hours walking distance estimate from Chelan County, WA to the Sawtooth National Park in Idaho on google maps directions.

So 26 days if walking 8 hours a day.

So not beyond the realm of possibility for him to have hiked there over the last month.

Along with the description given that sounds like him, hoping beyond all hope, it's him and LE will be swooping in on him soon!

MOO

Please note, the actual estimate for walking that distance on Google maps directions, is 208 miles, so walking 8 hours a day, is 26 days.

He's been gone a month, so if he walked/hiked 8ish hours a day,, it's possible he's there now.

Sorry for the goof up on my original post!

 

[Snoop Sister]

I just hope this isn't another false alarm.

I hope so as well. I am doubtful that it was him but the gauge earrings make me wonder. However, it seems like a long way to hike especially if he is experiencing some mental health issues.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Jmo, on a holiday weekend you'd get families. Many, many people I know load up the camper and head into the Sawtooths for the 4th. Imo that site wouldn't be actively crowded because it's not on a direct route between any actual towns, and it doesn't have installed water, which is another nope for some people, but it does have a bathroom, and a creek, which is an attraction.

Sawtooth National Forest : Recreation Site - Bear Creek Transfer Camp

Would he be that careless to be up and around that area close to July 4th??!! Brazen if so!

*Editing typos

 

[Lalalacasbah]

I hope so as well. I am doubtful that it was him but the gauge earrings make me wonder. Seems like a long way to walk especially if he is experiencing some psych issues.

I am unsure about the dress attire too... Lots of guys with gauge earrings that dress with that description here where I live. But I am in a university, transient, hipster kind of town!

That doesn't stand out where I am from but unsure the style/vibe out that way in Idaho(?)

It doesn't sound like hiking attire except the Garmin watch. Sounds like something a weekender might wear, but I'm more curious than questioning it all, JMO

 

[Snoop Sister]

I am unsure about the dress attire too... Lots of guys with gauge earrings that dress with that description here where I live.

Snipped BBM
The gauge earrings are not that popular anymore where I live…at least not like they were years ago when they first became stylish. So, that’s why I wondered. The clothing description does sound like a younger guy but

 

[Boxer]

P

Travis Decker manhunt focuses on Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest

Marshals said they are beginning to receive tips from the public, are checking each one, and hope one of the tips will help catch Decker.

www.ktvb.com

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking information from anyone who was in the Bear Creek area, which is 32 miles north of Fairfield, in the Sawtooth National Forest, within the last 24 hours.

Wow.
Looks like RR tracks go between Ellensburg and McCall ID.
Google Maps calls it 6 days of walking.

 

[marloweclover]

Just my experience, but I see people with that look camping here, but generally in groups, in more central campgrounds. The other thing is the Vans/Converse. I own them, I wear them to lift weights, but imo I wouldn't want to hike 8 hours a day in them. Minimal support, not much grip, no waterproofing, and I'm not sure the canvas would survive that. Which leads to the question of how much stuff, if any, did he carry? Did he have other shoes? Was the mentioned Jansport a day pack, like you'd take to school, or one of their larger models? Imo they don't really make true backpacking bags.

Hiking Backpacks – JanSport US

 

[Snoop Sister]

Just my experience, but I see people with that look camping here, but generally in groups, in more central campgrounds. The other thing is the Vans/Converse. I own them, I wear them to lift weights, but imo I wouldn't want to hike 8 hours a day in them. Minimal support, not much grip, no waterproofing, and I'm not sure the canvas would survive that. Which leads to the question of how much stuff, if any, did he carry? Did he have other shoes? Was the mentioned Jansport a day pack, like you'd take to school, or one of their larger models? Imo they don't really make true backpacking bags.

Hiking Backpacks – JanSport US

Good points. Especially wearing vans/converse for hiking and possibly a day pack. Sounds off to me.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Just my experience, but I see people with that look camping here, but generally in groups, in more central campgrounds. The other thing is the Vans/Converse. I own them, I wear them to lift weights, but imo I wouldn't want to hike 8 hours a day in them. Minimal support, not much grip, no waterproofing, and I'm not sure the canvas would survive that. Which leads to the question of how much stuff, if any, did he carry? Did he have other shoes? Was the mentioned Jansport a day pack, like you'd take to school, or one of their larger models? Imo they don't really make true backpacking bags.

Hiking Backpacks – JanSport US

Exactly, not ideal shoes either. I love them but could never wear them as I have high arches and zero support!

His wife, family and friends must know if he's worn either type shoes in the past. Or is it a weekender's attire? I imagine LE is questioning them about this if not 'taken' from someone else.

Good take on the backpack. I always equated JanSport with something for kids and not really for grown ups to use but maybe I'm totally off. Did any of his daughters have that type of backpack?

I feel like I have a million questions... and will likely not get any solid answers or confirmation from LE for awhile!

 

[Boxer]

P

Wow.
Looks like RR tracks go between Ellensburg and McCall ID.
Google Maps calls it 6 days of walking.

Well if this is him this fits my scenario. If it was him that was sighted by the hikers then the helicopter near Colchuck, it really unfortunate that the helicopter had to immediately go refuel which gave him a chance to do something.
It was obvious from helicopter flight circling they thought he was making for Leavenworth, but at the time I thought he tactically run as far as he could, hide wait for the darkest part of the night and then descend and continue traveling at night.
If he made for Idaho on RR tracks that run between McCall and Ellenburg would take 6 days but where would he get provisions?

 

[Boxer]

Just my experience, but I see people with that look camping here, but generally in groups, in more central campgrounds. The other thing is the Vans/Converse. I own them, I wear them to lift weights, but imo I wouldn't want to hike 8 hours a day in them. Minimal support, not much grip, no waterproofing, and I'm not sure the canvas would survive that. Which leads to the question of how much stuff, if any, did he carry? Did he have other shoes? Was the mentioned Jansport a day pack, like you'd take to school, or one of their larger models? Imo they don't really make true backpacking bags.

Hiking Backpacks – JanSport US

I have a Jansport external feame backpack from the 1990s. IMO they are the best - JanSport D3 Reviews - Trailspace