Authorities across Washington state are in an all-out manhunt for a 32-year-old former National Guard paratrooper after three little girls were found dead, allegedly murdered during a custody visit with their father. The case has shaken the small community of Wenatchee and sparked national outrage.
The bodies of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered near Rock Island Campground, close to their father’s abandoned truck. Investigators say the sisters had plastic bags over their heads and zip-ties binding their wrists. Law enforcement officials believe they were likely asphyxiated, though autopsy results are still pending.
Their father, Travis Decker, is now the subject of a statewide search. He is wanted on multiple charges of kidnapping and murder and is considered extremely dangerous.
Custody visit ends in horror
Decker picked up the girls from his ex-wife Whitney’s home during a court-approved visitation. When he failed to return them on time, Whitney contacted police. Less than two hours later, a missing persons alert was issued.
Three days later, search teams located the children’s bodies down an embankment not far from the area where Decker often camped with his dog. Authorities confirmed the girls were still wearing the same clothes from the day they were taken.
Whitney, visibly shaken, spoke publicly about Decker’s decline following his military service. She said he struggled with mental health after leaving the National Guard and had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. She also shared that despite his struggles, she once believed he truly loved his daughters.
Military training raises alarm
Law enforcement officials fear Decker’s background could help him evade capture. As a former paratrooper with survival training, he is believed to have wilderness expertise and is familiar with remote parts of Washington state. Officers have warned the public not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison addressed Decker directly in a press conference, vowing that justice would be served. He stated that the girls deserved accountability for the horrific end to their lives and promised that law enforcement would not stop until Decker is found.
Decker had reportedly been staying at nearby campgrounds and motels prior to the tragedy. Records indicate he was awaiting a disciplinary discharge from the Washington National Guard due to missed monthly drills.
Community reeling as search continues
The disturbing nature of the crime has drawn significant attention online and across media platforms. Friends and neighbors have held vigils in memory of the sisters, while local authorities are continuing a round-the-clock search for their suspect father.
Officials ask anyone with information about Travis Decker’s whereabouts to contact Chelan County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
This heartbreaking report was obtained and verified by GLOBE Magazine.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.