Father Accused of Killing Daughters Could Be Traveling to Canada: Police

Authorities in Washington state believe Travis Decker may be fleeing to Canada after federal court documents revealed the 32-year-old father researched Canadian relocation extensively before allegedly killing his three young daughters, according to local station KOMO News.

Newsweek has reached out to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office via email on Saturday for comment.

Why It Matters

This case highlights critical vulnerabilities in missing persons alert systems and parental visitation safety protocols.

The Wenatchee Police Department said Washington State Patrol was contacted to request an AMBER Alert, but “it did not meet the required criteria.”

What To Know

Decker picked up his daughters on May 30 for a court-ordered scheduled visitation. According to attorney Arianna Cozart, who represents the girls’ mother Whitney Decker, Travis and her client were in constant contact regarding their children.

The former couple had been discussing Travis’ dog Chinook and concerns about what to do with the dog as temperatures rose as Travis was living in his car. Whitney offered to let the dog live with her.

Travis later instructed the children to get their belongings and told Whitney they’d return at 8 p.m. but never returned, according to Cozart.

Cozart added that if her client had noticed any unusual behavior, “Whitney would not have allowed the visitation.”

The bodies of 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn Decker were discovered at a campground near Leavenworth, approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail on June 2 after being reported missing by their mother. Each child was found with plastic bags over their heads and zip-tied wrists, with preliminary autopsy results indicating death by asphyxiation, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said Decker is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.

Court documents, meanwhile, show Decker searched “how does a person move to Canada,” “how to relocate to Canada,” and “jobs Canada” in the days leading up to the tragedy, while also visiting the Canadian government’s job search website on May 26. Investigators obtained and served several search warrants for Decker’s Google accounts, which included previous searches made from his account.

The trail runs from Mexico to Canada, ending at the northern border where no physical barrier exists. More than 100 officers are involved in the search covering rugged terrain in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, with over 500 tips received from the public, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents describe Decker as a “well-versed outdoorsman” with training in “navigation, woodland/mountainous terrain, long distance movements, survival,” who once lived off-grid in backwoods for 2.5 months. Federal prosecutors note his military background includes “numerous disciplines needed to be able to flee.”

Authorities have closed multiple recreational areas including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Enchantments, and Icicle Creek area near Leavenworth through at least June 18. Violations of the closure order carry fines up to $5,000 and potential six-month imprisonment.

What People Are Saying

Arianna Cozart, speaking about her client Whitney Decker, in comments to Newsweek: “I think she is still reeling from losing her entire world. She is strong and kind and wants this tragedy to spur change and save lives. That is what is driving her right now.

Wenatchee Police Department wrote on Facebook: “We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time.”

What Happens Next?

Federal authorities have now charged Decker with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The coordinated search continues with local, state, and federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security. Authorities have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and urge residents in remote areas of five Washington counties to secure their properties and leave lights on.