Mother Demands Answers After Daughters’ Tragic Deaths
Whitney Decker is seeking justice after her three daughters — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) — were found murdered near their father’s truck in a remote area of Chelan County, Washington. Authorities say their father, Travis Decker, 32, is charged with three counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping but remains on the run.
Court documents reveal the girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and wrists bound with zip ties. Evidence at the scene, including blood and scattered zip ties, points to a premeditated act.
Whitney had contacted police after Travis failed to return the girls from a scheduled visit. She noted his history of mental health issues and homelessness. Investigators later found he had been living out of his truck and staying in motels and campgrounds.
Decker, a former Army Ranger, had struggled with severe mental illness after leaving the military and was reportedly failed by the veterans’ support system. His inability to reintegrate into civilian life added to Whitney’s frustrations — she believes systemic failures contributed to her daughters’ deaths.
Criticism has mounted over the state’s decision not to issue an AMBER Alert. Although police requested it, the criteria weren’t met, and only an Endangered Missing Person Alert was sent, lacking the wide reach of an AMBER.
Authorities now believe Decker may be hiding off-grid, possibly using survival skills and pre-stashed supplies. Whitney, supported by family and legal counsel, is now pushing for changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.