A chilling tragedy has gripped Washington State as authorities continue a widespread search for Travis Caleb Decker, a 32-year-old former Army soldier and National Guard member, who is accused of murdering his three young daughters during a scheduled visitation. The girls—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were reported missing on May 30, 2025, after failing to return home in Wenatchee, Washington.
Tragically, their bodies were found days later, on June 2, near the Rock Island Campground, approximately 20 miles northwest of Wenatchee. Investigators discovered disturbing evidence at the scene, including zip ties binding the girls’ wrists and plastic bags placed over their heads, pointing to asphyxiation as the cause of death. Bloodstains and other signs of violence confirmed the brutal nature of the crime.
Decker’s truck was also located nearby, but he remains at large. Given his military training and survival skills, law enforcement officials have classified him as armed and extremely dangerous. A coordinated search involving the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local police departments is ongoing, with a $20,000 reward offered for information that leads to his capture.
Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, had previously voiced serious concerns about his mental health, mentioning symptoms consistent with PTSD and borderline personality disorder. In 2024, she sought to restrict his custody rights, which resulted in supervised visitations. Despite these precautions, this horrifying incident occurred during one such scheduled visit.
Whitney has also criticized the authorities for a delayed response, highlighting that an Amber Alert was not immediately issued, potentially slowing critical early efforts to find the children and prevent the tragedy.
The local community has been deeply affected and rallied to support the family. A GoFundMe fundraiser organized to assist Whitney has quickly raised over $900,000, reflecting the profound sympathy and outrage felt nationwide.
Officials urge anyone who may have seen Travis Decker or has any relevant information to contact law enforcement immediately. Due to the suspect’s survival expertise and the potential threat he poses, the public is advised not to approach him directly.
This ongoing manhunt underscores the urgency of preventing such tragedies and highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in cases involving highly trained suspects. Authorities remain committed to bringing Travis Decker to justice and providing answers to the devastated community.
