A horrifying story out of Washington state has gripped the country — and the search for justice is far from over.

What began as a court-approved visit between a father and his three young daughters ended in unimaginable tragedy. Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5) were found murdered at a remote campground, and their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is now the prime suspect in a nationwide manhunt.

A Routine Visit Turns Deadly

The girls were reported missing following a scheduled three-hour visitation with their father. Several days later, authorities made a heartbreaking discovery at Rock Island Campground — roughly three hours east of Seattle. The bodies of all three children were found in a wooded area, just 75 yards from Decker’s abandoned vehicle.

Investigators believe Decker — a military veteran with combat experience and a documented history of serious mental health issues — killed his daughters during what was supposed to be a routine, supervised visit. The cause of death is believed to be suffocation.

A Mother’s Pleas

Their mother, Whitney Decker, told Seattle’s KIRO 7, “I didn’t think he was dangerous… His mental health can be hard sometimes, but he loved them.”

But court records reveal a deeply troubling pattern. Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, had stopped taking prescribed medication, and refused therapy and anger management — all required parts of the parenting plan.

Whitney had previously raised red flags in custody filings, describing unsafe conditions during visits — including the girls being left to sleep in tents, vehicles, or even armories, sometimes without adult supervision. One incident involved their youngest calling in tears because she couldn’t find her dad. Another time, Evelyn returned home with strange bruises.

“I’ve bent over backwards to support their relationship,” Whitney wrote in court documents. “But I can’t keep letting them live in what’s basically a homeless shelter — or worse.”

The Crime Scene

Police located Decker’s truck near the Rock Island Campground on Monday. Just steps away, they discovered the bodies of the three girls, each with a plastic bag over her head and zip ties on her wrists. Investigators found bloodstains on the truck’s tailgate, alongside children’s car seats, snacks, blankets, and Decker’s wallet — indicating the visit may have initially appeared routine.

Nearby, a tent and cooler showed signs of recent use. But Decker had vanished.

Charges and Ongoing Manhunt

Decker is now charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. Authorities have issued a nationwide warrant and are urging the public to avoid any contact with him.

“We don’t know where he is,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “But we are using every available resource to find him.”

The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Homeland Security are now involved in the search, deploying drones across rugged wilderness near Icicle Road — a remote area known to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In a direct message to Decker, Sheriff Morrison said:
“Travis, if you’re listening — turn yourself in. We will not stop searching.”

A Community in Mourning

The small community of Wenatchee, WA, gathered Tuesday night to remember the three girls. Over 300 people attended a candlelight vigil at Memorial Park. Children blew bubbles into the night sky. Music played softly as handwritten messages and drawings filled a tribute table.

One note read: “I’m so sorry. No one deserves what happened to you.”

Pastor Mike Wilson offered prayers for the grieving mother, the investigators, and the wider community. “These girls were a light in this world,” said a statement on a GoFundMe page launched to support the family. “And now it’s a darker place without them.”

By Tuesday night, the fundraiser had already surpassed $350,000, with messages pouring in from across the nation.

Still at Large

As of Wednesday morning, Decker remains on the run. He is described as 5’8”, about 190 pounds, with long black hair (often tied in a ponytail) and brown eyes. He was last seen in a light-colored shirt and dark shorts and is believed to be moving between campgrounds or motels.

Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately — and not to approach him under any circumstances.

A Sobering Reminder

This tragedy is a devastating reminder of the dangers of overlooked warning signs — especially in cases involving mental health and domestic custody disputes. For Whitney, the loss is unimaginable. For the community, it’s a wound that may never fully heal.

As candles flickered into the night, one simple tribute echoed through the crowd:

“Fly high, sweet girls.”

Rest in peace, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. 💔