A Routine Custody Visit Turned Into a Community’s Worst Nightmare
In Wenatchee, Washington, the afternoon of May 30, 2025, began like many others. For Whitney Decker, it was meant to be a routine custody exchange. Her three daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were scheduled to spend a few hours with their father, Travis Decker, before returning home that evening.
At 5:00 p.m., Travis picked the girls up. He told Whitney he would bring them back by 8:00 p.m.
They never returned.
As evening passed and calls went unanswered, concern gave way to fear. By the following morning, the girls were officially reported missing. What began as an anxious search soon grew into an urgent, region-wide effort—one that would ultimately leave a community in mourning.
The Search Ends in Tragedy
On June 2, the search reached a devastating conclusion. Near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, a hiker noticed an abandoned white pickup truck matching descriptions from emergency alerts and contacted authorities.
Inside the vehicle were personal belongings linked to Travis Decker. Nearby, investigators made the discovery that confirmed the family’s worst fears: Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia were found deceased.
Medical examiners later determined that the deaths were the result of homicide. In a matter of days, a missing-children case became one of the most painful criminal investigations the area had ever faced.
A Fugitive With Survival Training
Travis Decker, 32, was not at the scene and remains the primary suspect. A former U.S. Army and National Guard member, he has extensive outdoor and survival training—skills that have complicated efforts to locate him.
Authorities believe he fled into the surrounding wilderness before law enforcement arrived. A large-scale manhunt followed, involving local agencies alongside federal support. Search efforts have focused on remote forests and trail networks extending toward the Canadian border.
Investigators say evidence suggests Decker may have planned his disappearance in advance, including researching survival techniques and possible escape routes.
A History That Raised Questions
People who knew Decker previously described him as an involved father. Court records, however, tell a more fragile story. He had been diagnosed with serious mental health conditions and was under court orders to attend counseling and anger-management programs as part of his custody arrangement.
Whitney had reportedly expressed concerns about his stability. Officials say there were no immediate indicators that predicted such an outcome—an assessment that has since raised difficult questions about how risk is evaluated, and how warning signs can go unheeded when systems are strained or fragmented.
The Manhunt Continues
Authorities believe Travis Decker is still alive and actively avoiding capture. He is wanted on multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, and custodial interference. A reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
Law enforcement has emphasized that he should be considered dangerous and has urged the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
A Community Left With Grief
Wenatchee remains united in sorrow. Vigils and memorials continue for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia—three sisters remembered by those who knew them for their warmth, curiosity, and joy.
As the search for their father continues, the community is left holding both grief and responsibility: grief for what cannot be undone, and responsibility to reflect on what failed, what was missed, and how similar tragedies might be prevented.
Justice, if it comes, will not heal what was broken. But clarity—and accountability—remain necessary steps forward.