A tragic discovery has unfolded in Washington state as authorities located the bodies of three young sisters who disappeared after a scheduled visit with their father. The children, aged nine, eight, and five, were found deceased on Monday evening near a campground where their father's truck was located.
According to Daily Mail, police are now desperately searching for Travis Decker, who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his daughters Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.
The grim discovery came after authorities found Decker's truck near Rock Island Campground off Icicle Road around 3:45 pm on Monday. While searching the surrounding area, police located the bodies of the three girls, but their father was nowhere to be found, prompting an intensive manhunt.
Military Background Raises Concerns
Travis Decker, 32, is described as a military veteran who could "pose a significant risk if approached" due to his extensive combat training. Law enforcement has warned the public not to approach him if spotted, underscoring the potential danger he represents.
The father-of-three does not have permanent housing and is known to frequent hotels and campgrounds, complicating efforts to locate him. His ex-wife had previously expressed concerns about his mental state, noting that he has "really struggled since he left the military."
Whitney, the children's mother, shared her worries with local media, telling KIRO 7: "His mental health can be hard sometimes." These statements have taken on a more ominous significance in light of the tragic developments.
Timeline of Disappearance
The three sisters were last seen alive at their mother's house on Friday, where Decker picked them up for what was supposed to be a routine three-hour visit as part of their established parenting plan. Alarm bells rang when he failed to return with the children as scheduled.
Whitney reported her daughters missing at 9:45 pm on Friday after Decker did not bring them back home. Police immediately began investigating their whereabouts, tracking the last known sighting of Decker's GMC truck on Highway 2 that same day.
While authorities considered issuing an AMBER Alert, the Wenatchee Police Department explained that the situation initially did not meet the required criteria. Instead, an Endangered Missing Persons Alert (EMPA) was issued on Saturday after "additional information" came to light.
Community Response
As news of the tragedy spread, the community rallied to support the grieving mother. A GoFundMe campaign established for Whitney raised an impressive $30,000 in less than 24 hours, reflecting the deep impact of the case on local residents.
The fundraiser included a touching tribute to the young victims: "These girls were true light in this world and it is a darker place without them. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces." The message urged people to "send Whitney all of your prayers, love and support" during this unimaginable time.
Law enforcement, including a SWAT team deployed to the campground around 5 pm on Monday, has been working tirelessly to locate Decker. The area around Rock Island Campground was completely shut down between 7 pm and 9 pm as the search intensified.
Ongoing Manhunt
Travis Decker is described as 5'8" and 190 pounds, with black hair typically worn in a ponytail and brown eyes. His truck was located, but he remains at large as authorities continue their search efforts throughout the region.
The Wenatchee Police Department has offered their "sincere and deep heartfelt condolences" to the family while continuing to coordinate the manhunt. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the search, with particular focus on areas where Decker might seek shelter.
The case has shocked the community of Wenatchee and surrounding areas, with residents expressing grief over the loss of the three young sisters. As the search for Decker continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police immediately while emphasizing the importance of not approaching him directly due to safety concerns.
