On May 30, 2025, sisters Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) Decker were last seen leaving their Wenatchee home for a court‑mandated custody visit with their father, Travis Decker. Instead of returning them, Travis vanished—triggering concern from their mother, Whitney Decker, and authorities. The girls were reported missing the next day, and a massive search ensued. Tragically, on June 2, a hiker discovered Travis’s abandoned 2017 white GMC pickup near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington. Nearby, the girls’ bodies were found: bound with zip ties and plastic bags over their heads. An autopsy confirmed they died from homicidal suffocation.
The manner of death has been ruled homicide, and Travis Decker is wanted on three counts of first‑degree murder, three counts of kidnapping, and custodial interference. A multi-agency manhunt is underway, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, National Guard, and local law enforcement.
Timeline of Events
May 30 – Planned Custody Drop-off
- At 5 PM, Travis picked up Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia for a scheduled visitation. He informed Whitney he would return them by 8 PM. When they didn’t return on time, Whitney reported them missing that evening. No communication from Travis; his phone went straight to voicemail. Court records noted increasing concerns about his mental health.
May 31 – Missing Persons Alert
- Investigators noted the family missed a 5K event on May 31.
- An Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued, though it did not meet criteria for an Amber Alert .
June 2 – Discovery at Rock Island
- Police located Travis’s abandoned pickup near Rock Island Campground at around 3 PM. His wallet, cellphone, and personal items were in the truck. Nearby, the three girls were found deceased.
- Their bodies were bound, and suffocation was confirmed via zip ties and plastic bags over their heads.
June 6–9 – Autopsy Confirmed Homicide
- An autopsy (completed by June 6) officially ruled the cause of death as suffocation and the manner of death as homicide.
Following Weeks – Manhunt Intensifies
- Travis, a former Army and National Guard member with wilderness survival skills, remains on the run. Authorities believe he may be armed and dangerous.
- Blood stains from both male and animal sources – the latter possibly from Travis’s dog – were found on the truck. The dog was recovered alive and turned over to a humane society.
- DNA testing of male blood on the tailgate has matched Travis Decker.
Clues & Leads
- Court documents revealed he searched online on May 26 about moving to Canada.
- Experts note lack of cadaver dog alerts suggests he’s still alive, possibly hiding in wilderness or attempting cross-border escape.
- Manhunt involves aerial support, ground teams, cadaver and tracking dogs, and patrols along wilderness trails like the Pacific Crest Trail.
- A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
Who Was Travis Decker?
- Age & Background: 32 years old, military veteran, raised in Wisconsin; deployed to Afghanistan in 2014; later joined Washington National Guard .
- Personal Struggles: Diagnosed with PTSD and borderline personality disorder; struggled with mental health and was living unstably in his truck, motels, and campgrounds.
- Custody Conditions: Courts required anger‑management and mental‑health counseling as part of visitation rights .
- Reputation: Described by loved ones as an “active dad” with no prior violence; his ex-wife’s attorney emphasized lack of known red flags.
Community Response & Policy Implications
- Public Shock and Grief: Over $1 million raised via GoFundMe to support Whitney Decker.
- Legal Reform Pressure: Advocates are pushing for improvements to Amber Alert protocols and better safeguards in family visitation and custody, after no Amber Alert was issued in this case.
- Criticism of Systems: Experts emphasize the need for timely mental‑health intervention and reviews of custody systems .
Where Things Stand Today
- Manhunt Ongoing: Led by U.S. Marshals with ongoing local, state, and federal coordination. Efforts include tracking dogs, helicopter patrols, and water‑search teams .
- Uncertain Outcome: Authorities stress Travis is potentially armed and dangerous, urging public vigilance but not engagement.
- Lives Changed Forever: The Decker family and community are left shattered, while a full reassessment of custody and mental‑health protocols continues.
Conclusion
The deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker remain ranked among the most heartbreaking tragedies of 2025. Confirmed by multiple agencies and media outlets, the cause—homicidal suffocation—illustrates chilling premeditation. The investigation continues to unfold, balancing rescue hopes, forensic analysis, legal accountability, and societal reflection on child safety.
Related Key Facts
Location: Rock Island Campground, Chelan County, Washington
- Disappearance Date: May 30, 2025
- Discovery Date: June 2, 2025
- Cause/Manner of Death: Suffocation; homicide ruled by medical examiner June 6–9, 2025
- Subject of Manhunt: Travis Decker, military veteran, missing since June 2
- Charges: 3 counts of first‑degree murder, kidnapping, custodial interference
- Alert Type: Endangered Missing Person Alert issued; no Amber Alert issued
- Community Reaction: Over $1 million raised; calls for policy reforms
- Manhunt Status: Ongoing multi-jurisdictional search with reward offered
Sources
- ABC News – Washington girls’ father wanted for murder, cause of death revealed
- People – Autopsy Reveals Causes of Death for Sisters Authorities Allege Were Killed by Dad
- ABC7NY – How an ‘Active’ Dad Ended Up Allegedly Killing His 3 Daughters
- The Washington Post – Manhunt underway for father of 3 girls found dead at Washington campground
- KBTX – Father’s Dog Found Alive at Campsite Where 3 Daughters Were Discovered Dead
- E! Online – Decker Sisters’ Cause of Death Revealed
- New York Post – Sheriff fears misguided sympathizers may try to help Travis Decker
- The Sun – Dog found alive at Decker campsite as blood analysis continues
- Live5News – Causes of death revealed for 3 sisters as police search for father