- Friday, June 06, 2025
Authorities in Washington are searching for Travis Decker, 32, wanted for the murder and kidnapping of his three young daughters, whose bodies were found near a Leavenworth campground. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A massive manhunt is underway in Washington state for Travis Decker, 32, who is wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping after his three young daughters were found dead near a remote campground in Chelan County.
The girls—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were reported missing on May 30 after they failed to return home from a scheduled visitation with their father in Wenatchee, about 100 miles east of Seattle.
The search began when the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, contacted police after Decker did not bring the children back as agreed and stopped responding to her messages—behavior she described as highly unusual.
Authorities quickly issued a statewide alert and began tracking Decker, a former Army soldier with extensive training who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck.
On Monday (2), police located Decker’s abandoned truck near the Rock Island Campground, roughly 40 miles northwest of Wenatchee.
A search of the area led to the grim discovery of the girls’ bodies, found about 75 to 100 yards from the vehicle, down a small embankment. According to court documents, the girls’ wrists were zip-tied and plastic bags were placed over their heads; authorities believe the likely cause of death was asphyxiation.
The tragedy has shocked the local community and prompted an urgent appeal for public assistance. Law enforcement, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Marshals, are involved in the search for Decker, who remains at large and is considered dangerous due to his military background. Police have warned the public not to approach him and to call 911 with any information about his whereabouts.
Investigators say there had been no previous issues with the custody arrangement, but recent concerns had arisen over Decker’s mental health, homelessness, and financial struggles.
Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother and Decker’s ex-wife, described him as “impulsive” and struggling emotionally in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison made a public plea: “Travis, if you’re listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in. We’re not going away. We’re going to find you”. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest.
As the search continues, the community mourns the loss of three young lives and hopes for swift justice in a case that has gripped the nation.
