A scheduled visitation turned into an unthinkable nightmare when 32-year-old Travis Decker failed to return his 3 daughters to their mother, sparking an intensive manhunt and a wave of public grief. The bodies of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) were later found in a remote part of Chelan County, Washington, and authorities believe their father is responsible. As law enforcement scours the rugged terrain for Decker, the community is left grappling with the shock and sorrow of losing three young lives far too soon. This case has stirred questions about family court protections, mental health, and systemic failures.
The Victims and What Happened
The victims are three young sisters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, and are described by family and friends as joyful, imaginative, and loving. On May 30, 2025, they were picked up by their father, Travis Decker, for a court-approved visitation. When he failed to bring them back as scheduled, their mother, Whitney Decker, contacted authorities. Despite her concerns about Travis’s mental health, no immediate Amber Alert was issued due to a lack of legal violation at the time.
Days later, on June 2, deputies found the lifeless bodies of the 3 daughters near Rock Island Campground. They had reportedly been asphyxiated, with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists zip-tied. Decker’s abandoned truck was discovered nearby, containing blood evidence and his wallet. Investigators believe he used his survival training from military service to escape and possibly hide in the surrounding wilderness. The horror of the discovery and the brutal method has left the public reeling and questioning how this was allowed to happen.
Where and When
This chilling case unfolded in Washington state, specifically in Chelan County, about 150 miles east of Seattle. The 3 daughters were last seen alive on May 30. Their bodies were located on June 2, following an intensive search initiated by their mother’s report and a subsequent endangered missing person alert for her 3 daughters. Although this alert fell short of a full Amber Alert, it set law enforcement in motion.
The remote campground where the bodies were found is surrounded by forest and rugged hills, making the search for Decker all the more difficult. Authorities believe Decker may be using his experience as a military veteran to evade capture in the wilderness. Doorbell camera footage released later showed him acting strangely days before the murders, further fueling speculation that this act was premeditated. Local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and US Marshals, are now involved in a full-scale manhunt.
The Peoples Response
While the full motive remains unclear, Travis Decker’s behavior in the days leading up to the killings has raised red flags. His mental health had reportedly been deteriorating, and his ex-wife had requested court-ordered counseling and evaluations. Those requests were either delayed or not granted, prompting renewed scrutiny of how courts handle mental health concerns in custody cases. The brutal nature of the murder of their 3 daughters suggests Decker may have been experiencing a severe psychological breakdown.
The tragedy of the 3 daughters has sparked nationwide outcry and support. A GoFundMe created for Whitney Decker has raised over $900,000, as people across the country express their grief and outrage. Vigils have been held, and conversations about family law reform have reignited. Many are calling for changes to how visitation rights are granted, especially when mental health issues are at play. The emotional ripple effect of this loss continues to be felt far beyond the borders of Washington state.
Final Thoughts
The loss of 3 daughters in such a brutal and senseless way has left a deep scar on an already concerned public. As the manhunt for Travis Decker continues, questions remain about how this tragedy could have been prevented and whether the systems meant to protect children are truly effective. While authorities work to bring Decker to justice, the focus remains on honoring Paitin, Evelyn, and Olivia, and ensuring their lives were not lost in vain. Their story has sparked a necessary conversation about mental health, parental rights, and the urgent need to prioritize child safety above all else.
