...
By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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.
Law enforcement officials in Washington continued the manhunt for Travis Decker, 32, wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters, as new information emerged Thursday about a text message the girls' mother sent after learning of their fate.
The manhunt is ongoing, and officials are seeking public assistance to locate Decker, who is considered armed, dangerous, and highly skilled in wilderness survival.
...
Read More
86-Year-Old Woman Goes Missing, Found Days Later in Different State3 min read
The Context
The incident reignited national concerns about missing persons protocols and parental visitation safety.
The Wenatchee Police Department said Washington State Patrol was contacted to request an AMBER Alert, but "it did not meet the required criteria." The case underscored vulnerabilities in existing alert systems.
What To Know
Binh Nguyen, a neighbor of the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, told the Daily Mail he received a text from her after officials confirmed her daughters' deaths.
"They found their bodies," Whitney wrote. "They can't find Travis."
Nguyen told the outlet that Decker had a "sad look" when he picked up the children on May 30.
"What was strange was that he kept asking me the same question at different points in our conversation," Nguyen said. "Like he wasn't remembering he already asked."
Arianna Cozart, an attorney representing Whitney Decker, said her client did not notice any strange behavior from Travis Decker prior to the children's disappearance.
"It saddens me that Mr. Nguyen felt it necessary to share Whitney's grief with the press in this way. I can tell you that despite the quotes from the Daily Mail, Whitney observed no unusual behavior from Travis when he came to pick up the girls on May 30," Cozart told Newsweek.
The children, 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia, were last seen on May 30, leaving with Decker for a planned visitation.
Cozart said Whitney and Travis were in frequent contact "as they always were" regarding the children, things happening in Travis' life and other topics. The two had been discussing Travis' dog Chinook and concerns about what to do with the dog as temperatures rose, as Travis was living in his car. Whitney offered to let the dog live with her.
Travis then instructed the children to get their belongings and told Whitney they'd return at 8 p.m., according to Cozart.
Cozart added that if her client had noticed any unusual behavior, "Whitney would not have allowed the visitation." She said Whitney is asking for "grace and privacy" at this time.
Timeline and Discovery
When the girls did not return that evening as scheduled, Whitney Decker reported them missing. Police tracked the father's white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup and found it unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground on Monday. The children's bodies were found nearby, down a wooded embankment.
Each of the sisters was found with plastic bags placed over their heads and wrists zip-tied, according to court documents obtained by KOMO News. Preliminary autopsy results indicated asphyxiation as the cause of death.
Local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, intensified the search for Decker. Officials cited his background in mountaineering and Army survival school, and warned the public not to approach him. Authorities have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Scrutiny Over Missing Persons Alerts
The Washington State Patrol stated told KOMO News that standard Amber Alert criteria were not met at the outset of the disappearance due to the lack of initial evidence of imminent harm. The department instead issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert the following day. The chain of events has led to renewed debate about law enforcement procedures.
Cozart said Whitney was "frustrated" during the search that an AMBER Alert was not issued.
"However, she never imagined this would end as it has," Cozart said.
What People Are Saying
Cozart, speaking about her client Whitney Decker, in comments to Newsweek: "I think she is still reeling from losing her entire world. She is strong and kind and wants this tragedy to spur change and save lives. That is what is driving her right now.
Wenatchee Police Department, on Facebook: "We want to express our sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the family at this time."
What Happens Next
Authorities plan to continue coordinated search efforts with multiple agencies, maintain warnings to the public, and process new tips and evidence as the investigation progresses. The manhunt remains ongoing, and police urge anyone with information on Travis Decker's whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines