Bodies of three missing girls discovered in Washington state; suspected father on the run
Updated Article:
In the chilling news from Washington, a 32-year-old man, Travis Decker, is wanted for the gruesome triple murder of his three young daughters. The Wenatchee Police Department is on the hunt for Decker, who is now facing charges of three counts of murder and kidnapping.
Here's what's unfolded so far. Over the weekend, the man's ex-wife reported to police that the father of her daughters - 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia - failed to return them after a planned visit. The man, believed to be on the move in a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck with Washington plates, was sought out by authorities.
As investigations heated up, Decker's unoccupied truck was found near a campground, where the tragic discovery of the girls' lifeless bodies was made.
The hunt for Decker ensued, and authorities are urging anyone who may have seen him since Friday or knows his current whereabouts to contact 911 immediately. However, due to safety concerns, they warn against any attempts to contact or approach Decker personally.
In an exclusive interview with our affiliate, KIRO-TV, the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, expressed that there had never been issues with visitations in the past. The couple, who were married for seven years before parting ways, went through a civil divorce. Toward the end of their marriage, Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, raising concerns about his emotional stability.
Travis Decker was expected to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling under the parenting plan, but this did not occur, as evidenced by court filings. Given his military background and expertise in wilderness survival, authorities are concerned that he could be evading capture using his skills in remote areas.
It's worth noting that Travis Decker was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 during his active duty service in the Army. He later joined the Washington National Guard but has not yet commenced the administration separation process[1]. His homeless lifestyle, characterized by living in his vehicle, motels, or campgrounds, further complicates the manhunt[1][3].
The Wenatchee School District, where the girls attended Lincoln Elementary, has made counseling services available to children and staff, recognizing their need for support in these trying times[4]. The school has requested privacy and peace for their grieving students, staff, and families, asking visitors to only attend for regular school business.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of failing to address and manage mental health issues. Our hearts go out to the girls' family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. If you have any information that may aid in finding Decker, please contact local authorities immediately.
- Murder
- Washington state
[1] "Former Soldier Linked to Wash. Murder-Suicide Case Spent Time Off the Grid" - KGMI News, accessed June 6, 2025.[2] "Update: Grief and Fear as Parents Identified in Fatal Family Camping Trip" - KIRO 7 News, accessed June 6, 2025.[3] "Exclusive: Paityn, Evelyn, Olivia's Mother Speaks Out" - KIRO 7 News, accessed June 6, 2025.[4] "Wenatchee School District Releases Statement on K-5 Student Deaths" - CW2 KOZO, accessed June 6, 2025.
- In the aftermath of the tragic murder case unfolding in Washington state, friends and family of the victimized girls are seeking solace while authorities continue the hunt for the accused, Travis Decker.
- The general-news coverage of the murder in Washington state reveals that Travis Decker's unstable mental health, due to a diagnosed borderline personality disorder, is believed to have contributed to the crime.
- Despite the ongoing investigation and manhunt involving the Wenatchee Police Department, the grim consequences of unaddressed and untreated mental health issues in the context of crime and justice continue to resonate within the community.
