https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/u-s-marshal-tipster-s-tattoo-description-boosts-credibility-of-travis-decker-sighting-in-idaho/article_42f98a81-0386-4de2-9bf6-4ad121dac1e1.html

BOISE, Idaho — The nationwide manhunt for accused child killer Travis Decker has zeroed in on Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest after a tipster provided what authorities are calling a remarkably accurate description of the fugitive—reviving hopes that the long-elusive suspect may finally be within reach.

Decker, 33, is accused of murdering his three young daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—whose bodies were found at Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Washington on June 2. He has been on the run since May 30, the day his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reported the girls missing.

Now, law enforcement officials believe he may be hiding in one of the most remote and unforgiving landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

“This weekend on Saturday we had a tipster report seeing someone who matched the description of Travis Decker,” said Michael Leigh, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal currently stationed in Idaho. “They described his tattoos pretty accurately, and it's believed they had not seen previous pictures of those tattoos.”

That level of detail, especially from someone unfamiliar with Decker’s physical features, has given investigators renewed confidence. According to Leigh, additional reports have since surfaced, bolstering the credibility of the original sighting, which occurred on July 5 near Bear Creek Campground east of Boise.

“Since putting out the media releases, we received additional tips—[they] corroborate the eyewitnesses' encounter with potentially Travis Decker,” Leigh said.

The tipster also noted Decker's long ponytail, unkempt facial hair, and suspicious behavior. He was reportedly seen traveling alone on an ATV or UTV trail not commonly used by hikers or foot traffic, and “didn’t make eye contact,” raising further concern.

Decker is believed to be armed and dangerous. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to his arrest.

Rugged Terrain Poses Search Challenges

The suspected sighting has prompted a large-scale, multi-agency response involving the U.S. Marshals Service, Camas County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, Customs and Border Protection, and aerial support teams. The area’s steep slopes, dense forests, and lack of cell service are complicating search efforts.

“Sawtooth is pretty rugged,” Leigh said. “It’s going to be hard for anybody to navigate those areas, especially for longer distances and for longer durations. It’s going to present challenges just like over in Chelan County.”

The Marshals' elite Special Operations Group is also on standby, prepared to sustain long-term operations in harsh backcountry conditions.

A Warning to the Public

Though unconfirmed, Decker’s past behavior has suggested a pattern of hitchhiking, prompting authorities to issue a public warning.

“We are cautioning those around there not to pick up any strangers,” Leigh said. “Be mindful of those around you.”

Decker is described as white, 6 feet tall, approximately 165 pounds, with multiple distinctive tattoos and a long ponytail. Authorities are asking the public to avoid drone use in the area to prevent interference with search aircraft.

How to Help

Anyone who sees Decker or has relevant information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or submit a tip online at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

The murder of the Decker girls has shaken communities across the Northwest. With this new lead, law enforcement says they are as committed as ever to finding Travis Decker—and bringing him to justice.

Source: Fox 13

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Travis Decker Search Manhunt Murder Suspect Idaho Sawtooh Wilderness

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