WENATCHEE, WA — A quiet family visit has turned into a national manhunt as 32-year-old Travis Decker is now wanted for murder following the devastating discovery of his three young daughters’ bodies at a remote campground in Washington. Authorities confirmed the heartbreaking find near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County on Monday, naming Decker as the primary suspect in what they’re calling a horrific act of violence.
The victims — 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker — were last seen on Friday, May 31, during a scheduled visitation with their father. The visit was court-approved, but alarm bells rang when Decker failed to follow the outlined terms of the agreement. By Monday afternoon, after days of frantic searching, police found his white 2017 GMC Sierra abandoned near the campground — and soon after, the bodies of the three little girls.
Law enforcement agencies across local, state, and federal levels are now fully engaged in a widespread search for Decker, who is facing multiple felony charges, including three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping.
Described as 5’8″, 190 pounds, with black hair (typically worn in a ponytail) and brown eyes, Decker is considered extremely dangerous. Police say he is likely homeless and could be attempting to evade capture on foot or using another vehicle. His last known vehicle, the abandoned Sierra pickup with Washington plate D20165C, offered no immediate clues to his location.
Officials have revealed that Decker is a former military member with advanced survival training, further complicating the search and increasing concerns about potential risks to the public. Investigators have not disclosed how the children died, but emphasized that Decker was not at the scene when officers arrived.
The Wenatchee Police Department released a statement calling the case “an unthinkable tragedy” and extended condolences to the family: “Our focus now is to locate the suspect and bring justice for the victims.”
Earlier in the weekend, the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, made a desperate public plea for their safe return. “I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” she said — words that now echo through the heartbreak gripping this Washington community.
The Endangered Missing Persons Alert for the children was canceled following the confirmation of their deaths, but the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone who spots Decker or has any information about his whereabouts to call 911 immediately and avoid approaching him.
This developing case continues to draw national attention, and updates will follow as more information is released.
