The Search for a Missing Father in Washington's Wilderness

In the heart of Washington state, a desperate search is underway for a man accused of a horrifying crime. The man is Travis Decker, a former Army veteran and National Guardsman. He is wanted for the alleged murder of his three young daughters. The girls, Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker, were found dead at an abandoned campsite. Their mother, Whitney, had handed them over to Decker for a scheduled visit. She had no idea it would be the last time she would see them alive. The girls were supposed to be back by 8 p. m. But as the sun set and the night grew darker, Whitney grew worried. She tried calling Decker, but his phone went straight to voicemail. She reported the girls missing to the Wenatchee police. Whitney told them that Decker had never failed to return the girls on time before. She also mentioned that he had been struggling with mental health issues. However, she had not seen any clear warning signs. The police began an extensive search. They checked hotels, motels, and camping sites, but found no trace of Decker or the girls. The next day, an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued. The search intensified as friends, family, and volunteers joined in. Then, on Monday, Decker’s pickup truck was found at a campground. The girls’ bodies were discovered nearby, about 75 yards away. They had plastic bags over their heads and their wrists were zip-tied. Authorities are now searching by land and air for Decker, who is skilled in wilderness survival. The search is challenging due to the rugged terrain and Decker’s knowledge of the area. The community is on high alert, with residents advised to lock their doors and avoid restricted areas. The governor has even tapped emergency funds and ordered National Guard resources to support the search. Decker’s background is complex. He is an Army veteran with eight years of service, including time in Afghanistan. He is also a member of the Washington National Guard, but is currently facing disciplinary action for missed drills. He had been experiencing homelessness, living in his car, motels, or camping locally. Despite his struggles, he was actively involved in his daughters’ lives, attending their extracurricular activities. Whitney had concerns about Decker’s mental health. He had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but was not taking his medication. In September 2024, a judge granted a parenting plan with limitations after an incident where Decker kept the girls overnight at a homeless shelter and allowed them to go to a corner store unsupervised. The new plan included a psychiatric evaluation, mandatory mental health counseling, and a domestic violence evaluation. Whitney believes the tragedy could have been prevented if Decker had better access to mental health support as a veteran. The community is in mourning. The three sisters were beloved by all who knew them. They were performers and dancers, known for their laughter, curiosity, and spirit. A GoFundMe has raised over $1. 1 million to support Whitney through this devastating loss. The flag at the Chelan County Courthouse flies at half-staff in memory of the girls. As the search for Decker continues, the community stands united in grief and support for Whitney and her lost daughters.