On May 30, 2025, a tragic and deeply unsettling event began to unfold in the quiet community of Wenatchee, Washington. On that day, three young sisters—Paityn Decker, aged 9; Evelyn Decker, aged 8; and Olivia Decker, aged 5—left their family home for what was supposed to be a routine custody visit with their father, Travis Decker. This visitation was arranged under a court-approved parenting plan that had been previously established to ensure that both parents maintained structured and consistent involvement in the children’s lives. The girls were expected to spend the day with their father and return home by the evening, as had been customary in prior custody exchanges. However, as hours passed and the evening drew on, the sisters did not return home, prompting their mother, Whitney Decker, to become alarmed and immediately report them missing to local law enforcement authorities.
The report of the missing children initiated a large-scale investigation by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and other partner agencies. Law enforcement quickly began tracing the girls’ last known movements and coordinated with local residents, neighbors, and community members to gather any information that could lead to their safe return. Days of tense anticipation followed, as the community, friends, and family clung to hope while authorities worked tirelessly to locate the missing sisters. Unfortunately, this hope was shattered in the early hours of June 2, when a grim discovery was made that would confirm the worst fears of everyone involved.
On that day, authorities discovered a white 2017 GMC pickup truck, belonging to Travis Decker, abandoned near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, a remote and wooded area that is popular for outdoor recreation but also difficult to access quickly. Nearby, the bodies of the three sisters were tragically found. Details of the crime scene revealed that each of the young girls had been bound and had plastic bags placed over their heads, indicating a deliberate and horrifying act of violence. The circumstances of their deaths prompted an immediate homicide investigation, and law enforcement authorities ultimately ruled that each of the girls had died as a result of fatal suffocation.
Following this devastating discovery, authorities moved quickly to issue a warrant for the arrest of Travis Decker. The charges levied against him were severe: three counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference. Law enforcement agencies described Travis Decker as a 32-year-old military veteran with advanced wilderness survival training, raising significant concerns about his ability to evade capture in the extensive forested areas surrounding Chelan County. He was also considered armed and dangerous, prompting urgent nationwide alerts. The U.S. Marshals Service joined the search effort and offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture, appealing to the public to assist in bringing him to justice.
Investigative efforts at the crime scene quickly uncovered crucial forensic evidence linking Travis Decker to the deaths of his daughters. DNA analysis conducted on the plastic bags and zip ties used in the killings revealed a match exclusively to Decker’s genetic profile, solidifying law enforcement’s case and confirming his direct involvement. Despite the accumulation of evidence, as of the latest updates, Travis Decker remains at large. Authorities have not been able to confirm whether he is alive or deceased, adding a further layer of uncertainty and urgency to the ongoing search and investigation.
Court records and prior case histories revealed that the Decker family had faced multiple challenges in the past. These included issues related to Travis Decker’s unstable housing situation and ongoing mental-health struggles. While such challenges may have contributed context to the family’s dynamics, they in no way diminish the shock and tragedy of the sisters’ deaths. The broader community has been left grappling with the enormity of the loss and the horrifying circumstances surrounding it.
In response to the incident, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and its partner agencies have continued extensive and methodical search operations across wilderness areas, remote trails, and secluded properties. They have reached out directly to cabin owners, hikers, and residents in outlying areas, urging vigilance and the immediate reporting of any suspicious activity or sightings that could help locate Decker. These efforts reflect the seriousness of the situation and the recognition that his military training and survival skills make him a significant risk if encountered.
The tragedy has deeply affected not only the immediate families but the entire community in Wenatchee and the surrounding regions. Residents have come together in collective mourning, expressing grief over the loss of three young and innocent lives. While the families request privacy during this profoundly painful time, they also rely on the broader community’s support as law enforcement continues the search and investigation. Vigils and memorials have been organized, and local schools and organizations have sought to provide counseling and support to children and families affected by the shocking event.
Authorities have emphasized that anyone with information regarding Travis Decker’s whereabouts or any details connected to the case should come forward immediately. The public is urged to contact their local law-enforcement agency or the U.S. Marshals Service directly. Even small pieces of information could prove critical in locating Decker, ensuring justice for the victims, and preventing further harm.
This case has not only drawn national attention due to its tragic and disturbing nature but has also highlighted the complexities of family dynamics, the importance of mental-health awareness, and the need for vigilant community cooperation in response to missing persons cases. Law enforcement officials continue to urge patience and caution while the search continues, noting that Decker’s military background and knowledge of wilderness survival make him a particularly elusive and dangerous individual.