The search for Travis Decker has intensified as more than 100 officers, agents, and deputies continue to hunt for the ex-Army man accused of killing his three young daughters last week. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported that over 500 tips from the public have helped narrow the focus of the joint operation.

Law Enforcement Involvement

Law enforcement professionals, both tactical and administrative, have converged on Chelan County to assist in the complex murder investigation. Despite the challenges, morale remains high at the Command Post, officials said. New surveillance video, photos, and public tips are aiding decision-making in the ongoing search, and authorities are working with surrounding counties in case Decker moves through the forest into their jurisdiction. The involvement of more agencies and public vigilance is seen as crucial to the success of capturing Decker.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson also activated the Washington National Guard Friday evening to aid law enforcement. Local and federal law enforcement have been searching for the 32-year-old father from the air and on the ground after the bodies of his daughters, 5-year-old Olivia Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 9-year-old Paityn Decker, were discovered Monday. The bodies of all three girls were found about 75 to 100 yards away down an embankment, and investigators noted zip ties and plastic bags were scattered throughout the area.

The girls were first reported missing after Decker failed to return them to their mother as part of their court-ordered visitation plan. After the discovery of their bodies, he was charged with murder and kidnapping.

Governor's Statement

"As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia’s mom, Whitney, and all those who love them," wrote Ferguson on X. "The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state. I’m committed to supporting law enforcement as they seek justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia."

Federal Charges and Investigation

Federal prosecutors charged Decker with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on Thursday. Court documents obtained Friday by KOMO News say Decker Google searched “how does a person move to Canada,” “how to relocate to Canada,” and “jobs Canada” in the days before he kidnapped his daughters.

Investigators obtained and served several search warrants for Decker’s Google accounts, which included previous searches made from Decker’s account. At the time of the murders, Decker was homeless and said to struggle with PTSD. Records show his former wife cited his mental instability in her divorce filings.

The U.S. Marshals Service wrote in the federal court documents that the Decker sisters were found at a campground about 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT is a well-established trail that runs along the entire west coast of the U.S. from Mexico to Canada. The trail ends at the northern border.

Public Advisory and Safety Measures

Despite Canada announcing earlier this year that the country would no longer issue permits for hikers to legally cross the border without visiting an official port of entry, there is no barrier or fence between the two countries at the PCT terminus.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said Friday that there were more than 100 officers involved in the search for Decker, which covered rugged terrain in the Cascade Mountains of central Washington, and more than 500 tips had poured in from the public.

Decker was previously in the Army and has extensive training in “navigation, woodland/mountainous terrain, long distance movements, survival, and numerous other disciplines needed to be able to flee,” court documents say. Court documents state Decker is also a "well-versed outdoorsman" and "frequently engaged in hiking, camping, survival skill practice, hunting, and even lived off the grid in the backwoods for approximately 2.5 months on one occasion."

Earlier this week, law enforcement urged citizens who own cabins or live in remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties to lock their doors, including any sheds and outbuildings, and to leave window blinds open. Residents are also urged to leave outside lights on.

Authorities have closed several hiking and recreational areas in Washington, including parts of the PCT, as the manhunt for Decker continues. It is currently unknown if Decker is armed, but authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous. Authorities described Decker as white, around 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

Anyone who sees Decker should call 911 immediately, and is urged to not contact or approach him. Anyone with information is urged to call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit your information

Source: KOMO.