What began as a routine custody visit has ended in a devastating tragedy that’s captured national attention.
Travis Decker, a 32-year-old former U.S. Army Ranger and Washington National Guard veteran, is now at the center of a manhunt after authorities say he kidnapped and killed his three young daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), in a secluded forested campground in Washington state.
The girls’ bodies were discovered on Monday, June 3, near the Rock Island Campground, just days after they were reported missing by their mother, Whitney Decker, who had shared custody with her ex-husband.
A Normal Friday That Ended in Horror
Decker picked up the girls around 5 p.m. Friday, May 31, for a scheduled three-hour visit. It was supposed to be a typical hand-off. Whitney noted he seemed “quieter than usual,” but there was no sign of what was to come.
By 8 p.m., when Decker failed to return the girls and wasn’t answering his phone, Whitney called the police. She had no reason to expect the worst, visitation had never been an issue before.
But by Monday, that all changed. Search teams found the girls’ lifeless bodies 75 to 100 yards from Decker’s abandoned white GMC Sierra truck in the woods. All three had their wrists zip-tied, and plastic bags placed over their heads. They were still wearing the same clothes from Friday.
A Disturbing Scene in the Woods
Inside Decker’s truck, police found two bloody handprints on the tailgate. The interior held chilling clues: blankets, food, a wallet, and car seats, suggesting he had been living out of the vehicle.
Nearby, officers discovered a tent and cooler, indicating the campsite had been recently used. GPS and cellphone data revealed Decker had scouted the site at least once before the murders.
According to documents, authorities initially planned to arrest Decker on custodial interference charges, but once the girls were found, the charges escalated to first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Who Is Travis Decker? A Complicated Military Past
Decker’s background is both impressive and concerning. A decorated combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, he had also trained as a paratrooper and achieved the elite rank of Army Ranger. These skills now make him particularly dangerous in the eyes of law enforcement.
He joined the military in 2013, transferred to the National Guard in 2021, and reportedly became less stable after leaving full-time service. According to military officials, Decker had been skipping mandatory drills and was in the process of being discharged for misconduct.
Police have issued stern warnings: Do not approach him. He may be armed. He has advanced survival training and could potentially live off the grid for an extended period.
Mental Health Struggles and Warning Signs
Documents from their 2022 divorce show Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and was supposed to attend mental health treatment and anger management counseling. But there’s no evidence he followed through.
Whitney admitted that although their marriage had ended, she had tried hard to maintain their co-parenting relationship. “I don’t want to keep Travis from the girls,” she once said. “I have bent over backwards to facilitate that relationship.”
But there were signs. Decker occasionally had the girls sleeping in an armory, living in his truck, or staying in tents in unknown areas, even in extreme temperatures. In one court filing, she described her daughters returning home crying or with welts after visits.
Three Bright Lives Lost Too Soon
The girls were beloved in their community. They attended Lincoln Elementary School in Wenatchee, played soccer, and were active in dance, track, basketball, and baseball.
“She was really nice. She was a really good dancer,” said a tearful friend of Evelyn’s. “I really miss her… it was too early.”
On Tuesday night, more than 300 mourners gathered at a candlelight vigil in Wenatchee. Photos of the girls lined the stage, and classmates clutched flowers and notes. There were no dry eyes.
A Mother’s Grief, A Community in Mourning
In the wake of unimaginable loss, Whitney has been surrounded by love and support. A GoFundMe organized in her name has already raised over $360,000 to cover expenses and allow her time to grieve.
“These girls were true light in this world, and it is a darker place without them,” the fundraiser page reads. “Send Whitney all of your prayers, love, and support.”
