Authorities later confirmed the children had been bound, and an autopsy determined they died from homicidal suffocation. The manner of death was officially ruled a homicide.
Charges and Manhunt
Travis Decker, 32, is now wanted on:
Three counts of first-degree murder
Three counts of kidnapping
Custodial interference
A large-scale, multi-agency manhunt is underway, involving local law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, National Guard, and specialized search teams. Investigators say Decker’s military background and wilderness survival skills make the search especially challenging. Authorities warn he may be armed and dangerous.
Timeline of Events
May 30 – Custody Visit
Travis picks up the girls around 5 p.m.
He tells Whitney he will return them by 8 p.m.
The girls never return; Travis stops communicating.
May 31 – Missing Persons Alert
The family misses a planned 5K event.
An Endangered Missing Person Alert is issued.
Court records reveal prior concerns about Travis’s mental health.
June 2 – Bodies Found
Decker’s truck is located near Rock Island Campground.
The three girls are found deceased nearby.
June 6–9 – Autopsy Results
Cause of death confirmed as suffocation.
Deaths ruled homicides.
Following Weeks – Search Expands
Blood evidence found on the truck; DNA confirms Travis’s presence.
His dog is recovered alive and turned over to a humane society.
A $20,000 reward is announced for information leading to his arrest.
Who Is Travis Decker?
Age: 32
Background: Raised in Wisconsin; deployed to Afghanistan in 2014; later served in the Washington National Guard
Mental Health: Diagnosed with PTSD and borderline personality disorder
Living Situation: Reportedly unstable, living out of his truck, motels, and campgrounds
Custody Conditions: Required to attend anger-management and mental-health counseling
Those who knew Decker described him as an involved father with no known history of violence. Even his ex-wife’s attorney has said there were no clear warning signs that predicted such an outcome.
Ongoing Investigation
Court records show Decker searched online about moving to Canada just days before the disappearance. Investigators believe he may be hiding in remote wilderness areas or attempting to flee the country. Despite extensive searches using helicopters, drones, and tracking dogs, he has not been located.
As the search continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.