A massive police manhunt is intensifying across the Pacific Northwest for a fugitive father accused of brutally murdering his own father at a remote Washington campground. Travis Decker, 47, is wanted on suspicion of second-degree murder after his father, 73-year-old Dale Decker, was found dead from multiple stab wounds.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office has issued a stark warning to the public, stating that Travis should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. The grim discovery was made last Friday morning at the isolated Lone Fir Resort campground in Cougar, Washington, a site popular with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
A Grisly Discovery and a Frantic Search
According to official reports, the victim, Dale Decker, was found deceased in his camper van. The scene was one of horrific violence, with the elderly man suffering from numerous stab wounds. Investigators have not released a potential motive but confirmed that Travis Decker is the primary and only suspect.
The search operation has expanded significantly, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. K-9 units and trackers were initially deployed to scour the dense, forested area surrounding the campground. Authorities now believe Travis may have fled the region entirely, potentially attempting to cross state lines into Oregon or Idaho.
Who is Travis Decker?
Descriptions released by the sheriff's office paint a picture of a man prepared for life on the run. Travis Decker is described as a white male, approximately 5'10" tall and weighing around 180 lbs. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black shoes.
Critically, he is believed to be in possession of a black crossbow and a large hunting knife, making him a significant threat. His vehicle, a white 2007 GMC Sierra pickup truck with Washington license plate C66492, is also missing and is a key element of the search.
A Plea to the Public
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information on Decker's whereabouts to exercise extreme caution and not to approach him. Instead, they are instructed to immediately call 911 or the dedicated tip line at 564-397-2847.
"We are utilising every resource at our disposal to locate this individual and bring him to justice," a spokesperson for the Clark County Sheriff's Office stated. "Our thoughts are with the victim's family during this unimaginably difficult time."
The community remains on high alert as the hunt for the killer father continues.
