People living or owning cabins in remote parts of several Washington state counties have been urged to lock their doors — including sheds — as authorities continue searching for a father accused of killing his three daughters.

Manhunt for Travis Decker Continues

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said Travis Decker, 32, remains missing. They warned residents in Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanagan counties to leave blinds open and outdoor lights on while the search is underway.

“Law enforcement professionals are patrolling at all hours, in all spaces throughout this region,” the sheriff’s office said.

Accused Killer Has Wilderness Skills

Decker, a former Army soldier, is well-versed in wilderness survival and can remain off-grid with minimal equipment, authorities said.

He is accused of killing his daughters — ages 9, 8, and 5 — whose bodies were discovered near a central Washington campground on Monday. The girls’ mother had reported them missing after Decker failed to return them on time following a scheduled visit.

New Leads and Search Warrant

Authorities said search warrants have been executed in the area and on Decker’s devices, though details of what was found were not disclosed. Investigators said “new information” has generated additional leads.

Recent footage from Ring cameras and photos of Decker have been shared with the public.

Enchantments Closed Amid Search

The search has led to the closure of the Enchantments — a popular hiking region in the Cascade Mountain Range — through at least June 18.

Decker is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen in a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. Authorities have not said if he is armed.

For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Authorities in Washington state are defending their decision not to issue an AMBER Alert for three young sisters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5—who were tragically found dead days after being reported missing.

Sisters Found Near Father’s Truck

The girls’ bodies were discovered near their father’s 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, about 120 miles east of Seattle. Travis Decker, 32, is facing charges of first-degree kidnapping and first-degree murder but remains at large.

Why No AMBER Alert Was Issued

Despite requests from Wenatchee police to activate the child abduction alert system, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) chose not to issue an AMBER Alert. Instead, they sent out an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA). Chris Loftis, WSP Director of Public Affairs, explained that according to Department of Justice guidelines, a case must meet five criteria for an AMBER Alert: confirmed abduction, imminent danger, victim under 17, detailed descriptive information, and entry into the National Crime Information Center system.

Key Differences Between EMPA and AMBER Alert

“The difference between EMPA and AMBER, the AMBER has that push notification that we all get on our phones,” Loftis told KOMO News. “The EMPA does not have that.”

Mother’s Report and Community Response

The girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing late Friday after they failed to return from a scheduled custody visit. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support her has already raised over $405,000.

Police Search Efforts

Investigators revealed Travis Decker was homeless, living out of his truck, and staying at different hotels and campgrounds. During the search, officers found two bloody handprints on the vehicle, along with car seats and a wallet.

Court documents indicated Decker’s cell phone placed him at Rock Island Campground a day before the girls disappearance.

For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.