Three sisters were tragically found dead at a campsite while visiting their father. Here is everything we know.
Paityn Decker, nine, Evelyn Decker, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, were last seen during a scheduled visit with Travis Decker, and just days later, all three were found dead, per PEOPLE.
When they failed to return, their mother contacted authorities at around 8:00PM: “What prompted her to call us was that… he was late returning the girls and had not communicated to her that he was going to be late, which was his typical fashion and so this was out of the ordinary,” said Capt. Brian Chance, according to NBC4 Washington.
Though their visit was part of an agreed-upon parenting plan, authorities quickly became concerned when Decker didn’t return them and ignored calls.
By June 2, the search ended in tragedy. Investigators tracked Decker’s white 2017 GMC Sierra to Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth.
It was found abandoned. About 100 yards away, deputies discovered the bodies of the three girls, hidden down an embankment, court documents say.
Inside and around the vehicle, authorities found horrifying clues: two bloody handprints on the tailgate, blankets, food, car seats, Decker's wallet, and zip ties, per Fox 13 Seattle.
According to the affidavit, the girls were discovered with plastic bags over their heads and signs of having been zip-tied.
Though autopsy results are pending, a preliminary examination concluded the girls most likely died from asphyxiation.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed at a press conference: “The girls are a motivating force for us” in the ongoing search for their father.
Authorities confirmed that Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. He was previously wanted for custodial interference.
Who is Travis Decker?Decker, a former U.S. Army soldier, joined the military in 2012 and later transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021. According to officials, he had stopped attending mandatory drills roughly a year ago and was in the process of being discharged.
Karina Shagren, spokesperson for the Washington Military Department, said Decker went from full-time to part-time status between 2023 and 2024, ultimately becoming absent from service.
Decker is described as an experienced outdoorsman, capable of surviving “off-grid” for extended periods.
Sheriff Morrison noted that he may have planned ahead, hiding supplies in the area to sustain himself. “Outdoor survival is something he does recreationally,” Morrison said.
Decker is 5'8", 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen in a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and not attempt to approach him, per NBC News.
“Due to safety concerns, do not attempt to contact or approach Decker,” officials warned. The U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $20,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest.
A regional SWAT team, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and outdoor survival experts are now involved in the intensive manhunt.
A history of concerns and mental health strugglesAccording to the affidavit, Decker’s ex-wife, who was married to him for seven years, told police their divorce had been civil, and there had never been issues during previous visitations.
However, she said Decker refused to sign the final parenting plan last year after becoming homeless. The plan required him to seek mental health treatment and undergo anger-management counseling, which he never did.
Detectives were told Decker had been experiencing mental health problems recently.
All three sisters were students at Lincoln Elementary. The Wenatchee School District confirmed that grief counseling is being offered for classmates and teachers.
In a heartbreaking online fundraiser, family friend Amy Edwards shared: “We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed ... the pain of this loss is immeasurable.
“I’ve known Whitney [the girls' mother] for years, we're both dance moms and theater friends [and I've] had the privilege of teaching Whitney’s girls.”
The GoFundMe campaign aims to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for Whitney during this unimaginable time. So far, over $752,000 has been raised.