...
By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Three Washington girls who were declared missing during a visitation with their father have been found dead.
Travis Decker, 32, the father of the three girls, is now wanted for murder, according to a press release from the Wenatchee Police Department.
A manhunt is now underway for Decker after his three young daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were found dead near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, according to the release.
Read More
Elon Musk Calls Trump’s Big Bill ‘Disgusting Abomination’4 min read
America Sees Rise in Female Shooters—FBI Data5 min read
Alaska Governor: Why the Alaska LNG Pipeline Matters for South Korea’s Energy Security | Opinion4 min read
...
The Context
The deaths of three young girls and the manhunt for their father have drawn national attention, highlighting issues of parental visitation safety, homelessness, and gaps in law enforcement alert protocols.
The fast-moving case prompted widespread public concern, as well as intense media and online interest, underscoring the challenges authorities face in quickly responding to unconventional custody and missing persons situations. With custody rules in the spotlight, questions have arisen about the warning signs and intervention systems intended to protect vulnerable children.
Travis Decker: What We Know
Decker previously lived in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and was homeless in Washington state at the time of the incident, reportedly residing in a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck. He is described by police as 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Authorities said Decker has a military background with extensive training. As a result, they have warned the public not to approach him, citing that he "may pose a significant risk if approached," according to a statement from the Wenatchee Police Department.
The sisters had last been seen with their father during a scheduled visitation, and Decker is now wanted on multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder.
Newsweek has reached out to the Wenatchee Police Department via phone and email for more information.
The three sisters were last seen around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, when they left their home in Wenatchee, Washington, for a scheduled, court-approved visitation with their father.
Decker was homeless and reportedly living out of his white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck, sometimes staying at local motels and campgrounds. He was a former military member with extensive training, prompting warnings from law enforcement that he may pose a significant risk if approached.
By 8 p.m. that same evening, Decker had not returned the girls to their mother as stipulated in their custody arrangement. Whitney Decker, the mother, published an urgent plea on Facebook: "Last night at 8 p.m. Travis was supposed to drop the girls back off with me and never showed."
Washington State Patrol determined the case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert and instead issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert May 31, 2025. Efforts to find the family included hotel searches, tracking vehicle movement west on Highway 2, and checking local databases.
...
Decker and the girls also failed to show up at a planned 5K running event on Saturday, intensifying concerns.
Multiple agencies, including the East Cascade SWAT Team and federal partners such as the Forest Service and Homeland Security, became involved as Decker's vehicle was later discovered unoccupied near Leavenworth on June 2.
The truck contained two bloody handprints, personal items such as blankets and car seats, and Decker's wallet. A tent and cooler nearby showed signs of recent use.
Shortly after finding the vehicle, authorities discovered the bodies of the three girls nearby. Preliminary examinations suggest the likely cause of death was asphyxiation, according to local media citing court documents.
Superior Court Judge Robert Jourdan had previously issued a warrant for Decker on three counts of first-degree custodial interference, which have now escalated to three counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference.
What People Are Saying
Whitney Decker, the girls' mother, told NBC Right Now in an emailed statement Monday: "I just want the girls back home safe and sound — that is the most important thing to me. I am concerned about the safety and wellbeing of my girls and their dad. This is an unimaginable situation. I am pleading for everyone to look out for them."
Wenatchee Police Department said in a press release issued Tuesday: "We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time."
What Happens Next
Law enforcement agencies continue to search for Travis Decker. The investigation is ongoing, with a warrant for his arrest on murder charges.
Officials have requested the public's continued vigilance and cooperation in providing information that could help with the case.
Authorities urge anyone with information on Decker's location to immediately contact law enforcement.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines