The search for Travis Decker in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest ended this week after authorities confirmed that a man seen by multiple witnesses was not Decker.
The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force launched the search after a tip on Saturday, when a family reported seeing a man fitting Decker’s description in the Bear Creek area of the Idaho wilderness. Additional tips followed, the Associated Press reported.
Authorities located and interviewed the man on Wednesday, determining the man was not Decker, U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh said in a press release.
The Context
The manhunt for Decker has captured significant national attention following the deaths of his daughters—9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia—whose bodies were found on June 2 at a campground in Washington. Decker, a former U.S. Army soldier, has evaded capture since.
What to Know
A family reported seeing a man matching Decker’s description northwest of the Bear Creek Transfer Station, KTVB reported. The individual was described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a long ponytail, an overgrown beard and a mustache.
Federal, state, and local partners assisted in the subsequent search effort.
Leigh said the man was cooperative and confirmed he had been hiking in the area over the Fourth of July weekend. After investigators confirmed the individual was not Decker, they began demobilizing the search operation, KIRO 7 News reported.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office previously said there is “no certain evidence” that Travis Decker is still alive or in the county.
“Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching,” the sheriff’s office said in a June 23 press release.
Search teams have spent days and nights in remote terrain, and detectives have investigated “dozens and dozens and dozens” of potential sightings, tips and leads, the sheriff’s office said.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Marshals Service Supervisory Deputy Michael Leigh, in a press release: “Investigators interviewed the cooperative man and confirmed he was hiking in the Bear Creek area this past weekend.”
What Happens Next
The public is urged not to attempt to contact Decker.
The Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker’s capture.
Anyone with information about Decker’s whereabouts is asked to call the nearest U.S. Marshals Service or the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1-800-WANTED2. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at usmarshals.gov/tips.
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