Campground tragedy: Investigation of father accused of murdering his three daughters progresses after failed child delivery
Some sick, twisted bastard took the lives of three innocent little girls – Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn. Travis Decker, their father, is wanted for the cold-blooded murder of his own daughters and kidnapping. Found dead at an abandoned campsite in Washington state, the girls were a mere five, eight, and nine years old.
Their mother, Whitney Decker, last saw them on Friday, May 30th, when she handed them over to Travis for their court-ordered visit. Despite a tumultuous divorce, Whitney maintained communication with Travis as co-parents and friends. But, that Friday, something seemed off. Travis was unusually quiet, but Whitney didn't think much of it, assuming he was preoccupied. That was until dusk fell, and the girls still haven't returned home.
Travis wasn't supposed to keep the girls out past 8 PM or take them on overnight visits, as outlined in their custody plan. But when Whitney tried to call him, his phone went straight to voicemail. When she reported the girls missing, authorities searched hotels, motels, and even the camping roster, but Travis's name was nowhere to be found.
An Amber Alert wasn't issued immediately because there was no concrete evidence the girls were at risk of serious injury or death. But when they missed a running event scheduled at the park the following day, authorities had more cause for concern and issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert.
The search for the girls became an intense manhunt, with friends, family, and volunteers combing the woods for any sign of them. Travis Decker's pickup truck was found unoccupied at a Chelan County campground on Monday, with bloody handprints on the tailgate. The girls' bodies were only 75 yards away, down a small embankment.
Now, authorities are searching by land and air for Travis Decker, wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Governor Bob Ferguson has tapped emergency funds and ordered Washington National Guard resources to support the multi-agency search. Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows locked and avoid restricted areas.
Travis Decker is described as a military veteran with extensive tactical training, skilled in wilderness survival. The US Marshals have even offered a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to his arrest.
Travis Decker has a history of homelessness, living out of his car, motels, or camping in the area. Despite his struggles, he was an active and involved father, Chezart said. However, concerns about his mental health arose, especially as his marriage was ending. Whitney told police that near the end of their marriage, her ex-husband was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and she did not think he was taking his medication.
Whitney and Decker were granted a parenting plan with limitations after a confrontation where Decker allowed the girls to go to a corner store unsupervised. The new plan included a psychiatric evaluation for Travis Decker, mandatory mental health counseling, and a domestic violence evaluation.
The tragedy has deeply impacted Wenatchee and touched the hearts of parents across the country. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Whitney through this difficult time, and the Music Theatre of Wenatchee has released a statement acknowledging the loss of the three little girls, remembering them as beacons of light and joy. The Chelan County Courthouse now flies at half-staff in memory of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn.
In light of the recent tragedy, national news outlets have been covering the story of the missing girls, Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn, who were found dead after being kidnapped by their father, Travis Decker. The crime has also sparked discussions on mental health and domestic violence, with experts urging greater attention to the signs and impact of family crises. Furthermore, health-and-wellness blogs and science publications have been sharing thoughts on the importance of recognizing and addressing borderline personality disorder, as well as the role of mental health in crime and violence.
