Travis Decker
Travis Decker Wenatchee Police Department

Police in Oklahoma have brought in cadaver dogs to assist in the search for 42-year-old Travis Decker, who vanished after allegedly murdering his three daughters at their rural home near Kingfisher on 23 June.

The girls aged eight, six, and four were found dead inside the house by responding officers after authorities were called to the home for a welfare check. Decker was gone by the time officers arrived. His vehicle was later spotted, but he has not been seen since.

What Happened Before He Disappeared

According to investigators, the family had not been heard from for over a day. Authorities were called to the home for a welfare check, and officers made the grim discovery upon entering. It did not take long for authorities to identify Decker as the primary suspect.

A manhunt began almost immediately. Decker was last seen driving a white GMC Sierra pickup truck. Since then, there have been no confirmed sightings.

What Cadaver Dogs Do in a Case Like This

Unlike standard search dogs, cadaver dogs are specially trained to locate human remains. They can detect even faint traces of decomposition—on land, underground, or in water. Their deployment signals that authorities are no longer just searching for a person on the run—they're preparing for the possibility that Decker may be dead.

These dogs are typically used when there is reason to believe someone has died but the body has not been recovered. Their deployment is never done casually.

What Investigators Have Said

Decker is still officially listed as 'wanted and dangerous.' Police have asked the public not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately. Flyers and warnings have been circulated across Oklahoma and neighbouring states.

A spokesperson for the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office said, 'We are using every available tool. Right now, we're focused on finding him and protecting the public.'

No weapon has been confirmed missing, and no motive has been publicly released. Authorities are not ruling anything out.

What's Known About His Personal Life

Though police haven't commented on background details, those familiar with the family have mentioned recent tensions. Some neighbours referred to ongoing custody issues, while others raised concerns about Decker's mental health in recent months. None of these claims have been officially confirmed.

For now, the priority remains locating him. However, the tone of the investigation suggests officers are preparing for a potentially tragic outcome.

How the Community Is Coping

The town of Kingfisher has been left stunned. Outside the Decker home, a makeshift memorial has grown flowers, stuffed animals, handwritten cards. On Tuesday night, dozens gathered with candles to honour the girls.

Counsellors have been made available at local schools, and teachers have described the children as kind, funny, and loved. 'This hit everyone hard,' said one school staff member. 'There's just silence where they used to be.'

Why This Case Matters Now

Bringing in cadaver dogs does not mean hope is lost—but it does mark a shift. Officers are no longer only expecting to find a fugitive. They are preparing for the possibility of recovering a body.

As the search widens and more time passes, the questions grow heavier. If Decker is alive, where is he hiding? And if he's not—how far did he go to disappear?