What began as a routine custody exchange in late May 2025 has turned into one of the most disturbing cases in Washington state in recent memory. Three young sisters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—were reported missing after visiting their father, Travis Decker. Days later, they were found dead under horrifying circumstances, sparking grief, outrage, and a massive manhunt for the man accused of their murders.
On May 30, Travis picked up his daughters from their mother, Whitney Decker, in Wenatchee, Washington. The court-mandated visitation was supposed to be brief—Travis told Whitney he would return the girls by 8 p.m. When he failed to show up and could not be reached, Whitney grew alarmed. His phone went straight to voicemail, and by that night, she contacted police. Her fears were quickly validated.
The following day, May 31, an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued. The case did not meet the narrow criteria for an Amber Alert, but investigators treated the disappearance with urgency. The girls were last seen alive with their father, who had recently exhibited erratic behavior. Court documents later revealed that concerns had already been raised about his mental health.
On June 2, tragedy struck. A hiker near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County stumbled across an abandoned white GMC pickup truck belonging to Travis Decker. Inside were his wallet, cellphone, and personal belongings. Not far from the vehicle, investigators discovered the bodies of the three sisters. Each had been bound with zip ties, and plastic bags were found over their heads. The autopsy confirmed suffocation as the cause of death. Their deaths were officially ruled homicide.
For the community and the investigators who had held onto hope, the discovery was devastating. What had started as a missing persons case now turned into a murder investigation. Travis Decker was identified as the prime suspect, and warrants were quickly issued for his arrest on charges of three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of kidnapping, and custodial interference.
The manhunt that followed became one of the largest in the region’s history. Local police were joined by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the National Guard, and specialized tracking units. Blood evidence was recovered from the truck—both human and animal. DNA confirmed that the human blood belonged to Travis, while the animal blood was traced to his dog, which was later found alive and turned over to a humane society.
Investigators believe Travis may have used his military training to elude capture. A former Army soldier who deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 and later joined the Washington National Guard, he possesses advanced wilderness survival skills. Authorities have warned the public that he is likely armed and extremely dangerous. Search operations have focused on rugged terrain, with patrols covering remote trails including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Court records painted a complicated portrait of Travis Decker. At 32 years old, he was described by acquaintances as once being an involved father who loved his daughters. But he also struggled with severe personal challenges. Diagnosed with PTSD and borderline personality disorder, Travis had been living out of his truck, cheap motels, and campgrounds in the months leading up to the murders. His visitation rights were contingent on anger-management and mental-health counseling, though documents suggest he was not consistently compliant.
Investigators also uncovered troubling digital evidence. Just days before the killings, Travis reportedly searched online for information about moving to Canada, suggesting he may have been planning an escape. Experts have pointed out that the lack of cadaver dog alerts in certain areas supports the theory that he is still alive and hiding, possibly attempting to cross borders or live off the grid in the wilderness.
The loss of the three sisters has left the community shattered. Schools, neighbors, and church groups organized vigils to honor Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, remembering them as bright, playful, and deeply loved children whose lives were cut short. The brutality of their deaths has struck a nerve far beyond Washington state, reigniting national debates about custody arrangements in cases involving parents with documented mental-health struggles.
Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, has been described as devastated yet determined to see justice served. Through her attorney, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers across the country, but also urged the public to remain vigilant in helping authorities locate Travis.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Law enforcement agencies have encouraged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward, while reminding the public not to approach him directly.
This case is more than a family tragedy—it is a chilling reminder of the cracks in a system meant to protect children. Despite red flags regarding Travis’s mental health and unstable living situation, visitation rights continued, ultimately ending in unspeakable violence.
As the manhunt intensifies, the memory of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia remains at the forefront. Their deaths have become a rallying cry for accountability, reform, and above all, justice.
The community has come together in the wake of this tragedy, organizing support networks and counseling resources for families affected by similar incidents. Churches, schools, and social service organizations have mobilized to ensure no one feels alone in the grief.
Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the importance of vigilance, reminding the public that cases like this highlight the need for early intervention and mental health assessments in families with known risks.
Social media has played a dual role, offering a platform for spreading awareness about the dangers of unstable custody situations while also requiring caution against misinformation and speculation that could hinder the investigation.
Mental health advocates have called for stronger oversight and more accessible resources for parents with diagnosed conditions, suggesting that interventions could prevent future tragedies like this one.
The case has prompted lawmakers to review existing policies on visitation rights, custody arrangements, and risk assessment, aiming to strengthen protections for children nationwide.
Schools in the region have implemented additional safety measures and educational programs to help children recognize warning signs of potential danger in family situations and report concerns safely.
Families have shared stories of resilience, highlighting the importance of community solidarity, emotional support, and proactive communication in navigating crises that involve children.
Child protection organizations are urging parents and guardians to maintain open dialogue with their children about safety, boundaries, and the importance of speaking up when they feel threatened.
The media coverage of the Decker case has sparked national conversation about how mental health, legal systems, and family dynamics intersect, encouraging broader awareness and proactive reforms.
In the aftermath of such a devastating event, the legacy of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia lives on as a poignant reminder of the need to prioritize child safety, community vigilance, and justice for the most vulnerable members of society.