Search Intensifies for Father After Daughters Found Deceased

Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia (Photo: Facebook) | Facebook

In a harrowing incident that has left a Washington community in profound grief, authorities discovered the bodies of three young sisters at a remote campground. The children, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, are believed to have been suffocated. The tragic event has spurred an extensive manhunt for their father, Travis Decker, who is the primary suspect in the case and faces multiple charges.

The ordeal began last Friday when the girls were on a scheduled three-hour visit with their father. Upon his failure to return them as agreed, their mother, Whitney, reported them missing, triggering a widespread search by the authorities. Their worst fears were confirmed on Monday afternoon when the sisters were found deceased at Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, Washington, a location not far from their father's abandoned truck, as reported by the Daily Mail.

At the scene, investigators found each girl with a plastic bag over her head and zip ties securing her wrists. Two bloody handprints marked the truck's tailgate, and inside, officers discovered blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet on the center console. The campsite bore signs of recent activity, including a tent and cooler, but Decker was conspicuously absent.

Law enforcement officials have charged 32-year-old Decker with three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping. The public has been warned not to approach him, as he is a military veteran with substantial combat training and could pose a significant threat. Decker, who lacks permanent housing, is known to frequent hotels and campgrounds in the region.

Family members have raised concerns about Decker's mental health, particularly following his military service. Whitney informed KIRO 7 that her ex-husband was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but did not comply with court-ordered mental health and anger management treatments. She described him as unusually quiet during their last encounter and spoke of his ongoing financial and housing challenges.

Documents from their divorce proceedings reveal a disturbing picture of the girls’ welfare during visitation with Decker. Whitney recounted instances of the girls returning from visits with unexplained injuries and emotional distress. Despite her fears, she stressed the importance of maintaining a relationship between the children and their father.

Following the grim discovery, a judge has issued an arrest warrant for Decker, ordering him to be held without bail upon capture. As authorities continue their search, a GoFundMe campaign has been established for Whitney and her family, raising over $385,000 in support.

The distressing case has reverberated through the local community and has ignited pressing debates over the adequacy of child welfare systems in custody situations where mental health issues are present.