Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson activated the Washington National Guard on Friday night to help law enforcement search for Travis Decker, who is charged with killing his three young daughters at an abandoned campsite west of Leavenworth.
At the Chelan County sheriff's office's request, the National Guard will provide helicopter transportation to law enforcement as they search for Decker in the wilderness of the Cascades.
Ferguson's office said in a news release it's tapping into emergency funds for the search. Decker is accused of abducting and killing his three daughters — Paityn, 9; Evelyn 8; and Olivia, 5 — whose bodies were found Monday near the Rock Island Campground outside Leavenworth.
"As a parent, my heart goes out to Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia's mom, Whitney, and all those who love them," Ferguson said in the release. "The brutal murder of these young children has shocked our state."
As search teams scour the rugged terrain for any sign of Decker, officials have closed campsites and trailheads over a wide swath of territory and encouraged cabin owners in five counties to keep their doors locked and outdoor lights on.
Decker is a former U.S. Army soldier who is well-versed in outdoor survival and has experience caching supplies.
Charged Tuesday with kidnapping and aggravated murder, Decker, 32, was federally charged Thursday with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The search team swelled to more than 100 officers, deputies and agents from local, state and federal agencies, with dozens more joining the effort to track Decker down Friday, according to a news release from the Chelan County sheriff's office.
According to a federal affidavit, Decker's Google searches from May 26 included "how does a person move to Canada," "how to move to Canada" and "jobs canada." He reportedly also visited the site "Find a job — Canada.ca."
The location where the girls' bodies and Decker's GMC pickup were found "is relatively close to the Canadian border" and about 11 miles east of the Pacific Crest Trail, "a well-established trail that leads directly" to Canada, the affidavit says.
Trailheads, campgrounds and U.S. Forest Service roads along Icicle Road near Leavenworth will be closed until June 18 unless otherwise stated, as the search for Decker continues. Anyone living in remote areas should lock their doors and beware.
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