May 31 — Alarm Bells
When Travis didn’t bring the girls home, Whitney contacted police. His phone remained off, and no financial activity was detected. By dawn, the case was escalated, and search teams began scouring nearby parks and highways.
June 2 — A Heartbreaking Discovery
Three days later, a hiker near Rock Island Campground discovered Travis’s white GMC truck abandoned on a forest trail. Inside were his wallet, phone, and a family photo.
Just yards away, officers found the bodies of the three girls. Authorities confirmed their deaths as homicides by suffocation.
Sheriff Brian Burnett described the scene as “the most heartbreaking in my 25 years of service.” He vowed that the search for Travis Decker “will not stop until justice is served.”
The Search for a Fugitive
DNA evidence from the scene matched Travis. Investigators believe he fled on foot into the rugged wilderness of Chelan County.
Decker, 32, is a military veteran with advanced survival training, making the manhunt extremely challenging. The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Washington State Patrol have joined forces with local authorities. Helicopters, drones, and tracking dogs continue to search vast forested areas stretching toward the Canadian border.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture.
Court documents reveal Travis had recently searched online for “how to live off the grid” and “crossing into Canada undetected.”
A Father’s Fall
Friends describe Travis as a once-loving father whose mental health deteriorated over time. A veteran of the Afghanistan war, he had battled PTSD, depression, and unemployment.
“He loved those girls more than anything,” said a family friend. “But something inside him broke.”
Police records show increasing instability — therapy appointments missed, erratic behavior, and isolation in the weeks before the murders.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
In a short public statement, Whitney Decker said:
“They were the light of my life. I just want justice for my girls.”
The community has rallied around her, holding vigils across Wenatchee. Thousands lit candles for the three sisters, their photos surrounded by flowers and stuffed animals.
Seeking Justice and Change
The tragedy has reignited debate over family court oversight in cases involving mental illness or violent history. Lawmakers in Olympia are now pushing for stricter monitoring of high-risk custody situations to prevent similar tragedies.
As of now, Travis Decker remains at large, believed to be hiding in remote forest areas or attempting to cross into Canada. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.
The memory of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia continues to inspire calls for justice — and for reform to protect other children in vulnerable situations.
Share this story to keep awareness alive — and let’s make sure these three innocent sisters are never forgotten. What steps do you think should be taken to prevent tragedies like this in the future?