The tragic deaths of three young sisters have left the Wenatchee, Washington, community in mourning and raised urgent questions about child safety and systemic failures. The girls’ mother reported them missing on May 30, 2025, after their father, Travis Decker, failed to return them following a scheduled visitation.
Investigators found the remains of the three Decker sisters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker, ages 9, 8, and 5, on June 2 near Rock Island Campground, prompting a statewide manhunt for their father, Travis Decker, who remains at large.
The disappearance and discovery
The three missing sisters from Wenatchee were found dead at a campground west of Leavenworth, Washington, the Wenatchee Police Department confirmed. The girls were 5, 8, and 9 years old.
— Eugene (@BreakingNews4X) June 3, 2025
Their father, Travis Decker, 32, is wanted for murder and kidnapping. He has not been found,… pic.twitter.com/6eU5Lj8Rx6
According to reports, Decker picked up his daughters on May 30 for a planned visitation but did not return them as scheduled. Authorities issued an endangered missing persons alert after their Whitney reported them missing. However, authorities failed to activate an Amber Alert, a decision that now faces scrutiny.
Three days later, searchers found the girls’ bodies in a remote area of Chelan County. Decker’s white GMC Sierra truck was located nearby, containing personal items such as car seats, blankets, and his wallet.
Evidence at the scene, including bloody handprints, led authorities to upgrade charges against Decker to three counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Who is Travis Decker?
Reportedly, Travis, 32, is a military veteran with a history of mental health challenges, including a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. He had been living without stable housing, often residing in his vehicle or at various campgrounds and motels.
Despite these challenges, Decker shared custody of his daughters with Whitney following their divorce. As part of the custody agreement, Travis would adhere to mental health treatment, which he reportedly failed to maintain.
Ongoing investigation
Law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams and federal authorities, are actively searching for Travis. He is considered dangerous, and the public is urged not to approach him but to contact 911 with any information regarding his whereabouts.
The Decker sisters’ murder has deeply affected the Wenatchee community. Supporters held a vigil to honor their memory, and the local school district provided grief counseling to students and staff. A GoFundMe campaign established to support Whitney has raised nearly $400,000, reflecting widespread support and solidarity.
This heartbreaking case underscores the importance of robust child protection measures and the need for effective communication between legal, mental health, and law enforcement systems. As the community seeks justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, there is a collective call for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
