Tragic Discovery: Father Wanted After Daughters Found Dead in Washington

WENATCHEE, Wash. — A manhunt is underway for Travis Decker, 32, after the bodies of his three daughters were discovered in a wooded area of Chelan County. The girls, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were reported missing by their mother, Whitney Decker, after he failed to return them from a custody visit on May 30.

Authorities say the girls were found on June 5 near an abandoned campsite, suffocated with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists zip-tied. Police initially did not issue an Amber Alert due to a lack of evidence suggesting the girls were in imminent danger, but later issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert when additional information surfaced.

Whitney Decker described Travis as being quieter than usual during the last exchange, where he assured her they would return by 8 p.m. She reported his phone went straight to voicemail when she tried to reach him as dusk settled and the girls had not returned home.

While the couple had been divorced, they maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Whitney expressed concerns about Travis’s mental health, noting he had struggled with issues since their divorce.

The Wenatchee Police Department began an intensive search for Travis Decker and his daughters, enlisting community volunteers. The search intensified after Travis’s truck was found near the campsite with two bloody handprints on it.

Governor Bob Ferguson stated that emergency funds and National Guard resources have been allocated to support the ongoing search for Decker, who is armed and dangerous. Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant, advising them to secure their homes.

Travis Decker is described as a skilled wilderness survivalist and experienced in tactical training, which complicates the search efforts, as he could evade capture in the dense terrain.

This tragic situation has profoundly affected the Wenatchee community, sparking discussions about mental health support for veterans. Whitney Decker’s attorney indicated that better access to mental health resources could have prevented this tragedy. The local community is mourning the loss of the sisters, remembered fondly as joyful and spirited.

As the manhunt continues, officials emphasize the need for public assistance and are offering a reward for information leading to Decker’s capture. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn have left an indelible mark on their community, with many in mourning and reflection.