Authorities Urge Some Residents to Lock Doors in Travis Decker Search Update
Residents in rural areas of multiple Washington State counties are being urged to lock their doors in an update on the search for missing murder suspect Travis Decker.
Police say they suspect that Decker, a military veteran, murdered his three young daughters before vanishing.
Ever since, residents of Washington State have been on high alert. Decker also has ties to Pewaukee, WI, where he graduated from high school and was raised.
The case has horrified the country, as court documents revealed that the girls likely died of asphyxiation due to bags being placed over their heads.
In a June 5 update, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department in Wenatchee, WA, wrote: “We are asking citizens who own cabins or reside in our remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanagan Counties to please be aware that Mr. Decker is still missing. As law enforcement conducts their searches, we are asking for those owners to lock all their doors, to include any sheds…outbuildings, and leave their window blinds open and we recommend leaving outside lights on."
The agency added: “Our teams have written and executed several search warrants around the area and on electronic devices that belonged to Travis Decker. We have gathered new information, which in turn has given us more leads to follow up on.”
Sheriff's officials also released new photos of Decker.
In a separate announcement, Chelan County Mountain Rescue advised: “The Icicle Creek area near Leavenworth, WA is closed due to an active law enforcement operation. Authorities are searching for a suspect, and we encourage visitors to the forest to remain alert.” They listed a number of affected rec areas.
If people see Decker, they are urged to call 911 immediately and “do not attempt or contact or approach him.” People can call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845.
Law enforcement professionals “are patrolling at all hours, in all spaces throughout this region,” the Sheriff's Department wrote.