What began as a simple custody visit turned into one of the most heartbreaking tragedies the small community had ever seen.
That morning, three young sisters — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5) — left home for a scheduled visitation with their father, Travis Decker, as part of a court-approved parenting plan. It was supposed to be a short visit — one they had done many times before. But that evening, they never came back.
Their mother, Whitney Decker, immediately reported them missing when hours passed without word. Authorities launched a massive search across Chelan County, mobilizing helicopters, K9 units, and hundreds of volunteers. For two long days, the entire town held its breath, hoping for a miracle.
Then came the devastating discovery.
On June 2, investigators found Travis Decker’s white GMC truck abandoned near Rock Island Campground, deep in the Washington wilderness. Nearby lay the bodies of the three sisters — victims of a deliberate and horrifying act. Investigators later revealed that the girls had been bound, suffocated, and left in the forest.
The father — Travis Decker, a 32-year-old military veteran trained in survival tactics — immediately became the prime suspect. Authorities issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference.
DNA evidence found on the materials at the scene directly linked Decker to the killings. Despite an intensive search involving local police, state troopers, and the U.S. Marshals Service, Decker remains at large. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture.
Court records show that Decker had a history of mental health struggles and unstable behavior — but nothing could have prepared the community for this level of tragedy.
In the days that followed, vigils and memorials filled Wenatchee with candlelight and tears. Local schools offered counseling for students, and hundreds gathered to mourn the loss of three innocent sisters whose lives were cut far too short.
Authorities continue to warn that Decker is armed, trained, and extremely dangerous. The public is urged to report any potential sightings immediately to local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals Service.
As the investigation continues, one haunting question remains:
How could a father’s love turn into something so unthinkable?
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