The tragic deaths of three young sisters in Washington State have been linked to probable asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court.
Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found deceased Monday evening near the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee, approximately three hours east of Seattle. Their bodies were discovered near their father’s white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck.
An AMBER Alert issued after the girls went missing was canceled late Monday, and authorities confirmed their deaths early Tuesday morning.
Their father, Travis Caleb Decker, 32, is the prime suspect in the case and remains at large. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. He is also wanted on an earlier charge of first-degree custodial interference.
Decker, a military veteran with extensive training, is homeless and was divorced from the children’s mother, Whitney Decker, with whom she shared sole custody. According to court records, Whitney had agreed to supervised visitation under a court-ordered parenting plan that also required Decker to complete mental health and anger management treatment.
He was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder but was reportedly not in compliance with the treatment mandates.
Decker picked up the girls on Friday for a scheduled visit and failed to return them. After being unable to reach him—his phone went straight to voicemail—their mother contacted law enforcement. Investigators later tracked surveillance footage and cell phone data that placed Decker in the Leavenworth area before the girls’ disappearance.
Evidence recovered from the truck and surrounding campsite included two bloody handprints, car seats, blankets, food items, and a wallet. The site showed recent signs of use, investigators said.
Decker is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. While it’s unclear whether he is armed, authorities warn he may be dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 immediately.
A multi-agency manhunt is underway, with SWAT teams and federal partners, including Homeland Security and the U.S. Forest Service, assisting in the search.
Just hours before the girls were found, their mother issued a desperate plea:
“I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” Whitney said. “This is an unimaginable situation.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
