WENATCHEE, WA — A devastating tragedy has shaken the community of Wenatchee and the broader state of Washington as the search for three missing sisters—Paityn Decker, aged 9; Evelyn Decker, aged 8; and Olivia Decker, aged 5—ended in horror on Monday with the discovery of their lifeless bodies near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County. The man now wanted in connection with their deaths is their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping.

This case, which initially began as a routine child visitation, has rapidly evolved into a multi-agency manhunt spanning local, state, and federal levels. The tragic chain of events was set into motion on Friday, May 31, when the three sisters were last seen at approximately 5:00 p.m., leaving for a court-sanctioned visitation with their father. What should have been a supervised and safe encounter between children and a parent turned into an unimaginable nightmare when Decker failed to comply with the court-ordered terms.

Alarm bells began ringing almost immediately after Travis Decker missed the scheduled drop-off. The family’s growing concern and his refusal to maintain contact with the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, prompted the Wenatchee Police Department to issue an Endangered Missing Persons Alert. The urgency of the situation was amplified by Decker’s background: a former military service member believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck bearing Washington license plate D20165C. His experience in the armed forces, particularly the advanced training such a background implies, has led authorities to view him as potentially dangerous and capable of evading capture for an extended period.

Travis Decker’s truck was located around 3:00 p.m. on Monday near the Rock Island Campground—unoccupied and silent. It was shortly after that authorities made the heart-wrenching discovery of the three girls’ bodies nearby. While police have not yet disclosed the precise cause or manner of death, they have confirmed that the evidence points unequivocally to foul play.

The news has stunned the region and sent ripples through communities across the state. Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia were not just names in an alert—they were bright, beloved children known to family, friends, and educators. Their lives, full of potential and joy, were cut short in the most brutal and senseless fashion.

The Wenatchee Police Department held a press conference following the confirmation of the girls’ deaths. Visibly shaken, officers described the investigation as one of the most difficult in the department’s recent history. “This is an unthinkable tragedy,” the department said in a public statement. “We want to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. Our focus now is to locate the suspect and bring justice for the victims.”

The profile of Travis Decker has become the center of an intense and escalating search. He is described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with black hair often tied in a ponytail and brown eyes. He is believed to be homeless and may still be traveling on foot or using alternate vehicles to evade law enforcement. Given his military training and transient lifestyle, officials fear he could survive in remote areas and potentially remain undetected.

His military background adds a disturbing complexity to the manhunt. Individuals with such training are often skilled in camouflage, navigation, and survival tactics, making traditional search methods more difficult. Authorities have yet to release details regarding his service history—such as branch, rank, or discharge status—but the fact that it is being publicly emphasized suggests it is a significant factor in the ongoing risk assessment.

The timeline of the crime and the discovery of the vehicle also raise numerous questions. How long were the girls at the campground? Did Decker bring them there immediately after the visitation? Was this premeditated? Did he have assistance or is he acting alone? Investigators are now combing through surveillance footage, phone records, and witness statements in an effort to reconstruct Decker’s movements over the weekend.

Equally troubling is the manner in which Decker was able to disappear following the crime. Despite the issuance of a statewide alert and active law enforcement presence, he managed to leave the vehicle and potentially travel a considerable distance on foot. Authorities have yet to determine whether he had help in fleeing the scene, or whether he may have established a secondary shelter or transportation plan in advance.

The case has also brought renewed attention to child custody protocols and the potential dangers that can arise even within court-structured visitations. Though the details of the Decker family’s custody arrangement have not been made public, the fact that Travis Decker was approved for visitation—despite being homeless and, reportedly, under personal distress—raises critical questions about how risk assessments are made in family court settings.

The girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, had been vocal in her concern for their safety. Her statements prior to the discovery of the bodies conveyed a sense of urgency and maternal dread. “I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” she said. Her voice, like that of so many parents who fear the worst, reflected the desperation and helplessness that often accompanies custody-related disputes when protective measures are insufficient or break down.

As memorials begin to form near the crime scene, the community has been left grappling with the magnitude of the loss. Flowers, stuffed animals, and hand-written notes now sit quietly by the Rock Island Campground entrance. Vigils are being organized, and grief counselors have been deployed to local schools. The Chelan County School District released a statement mourning the loss of the three young girls, noting that they were known and loved by teachers and peers alike.

Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to urge the public to remain vigilant. Anyone who sees Travis Decker or has information regarding his whereabouts is instructed not to approach him under any circumstances and to contact 911 immediately. He is considered dangerous, potentially armed, and mentally unstable.

The cancelation of the Endangered Missing Persons Alert late Monday night marked a grim finality to the search phase of the case. Now, the priority is apprehending the suspect and delivering answers to a family and community torn apart by grief. The investigation remains active and fast-moving, with authorities releasing updates as new information becomes available.

This case stands as a tragic reminder of the fragility of family structures under strain and the catastrophic consequences that can occur when systems fail to protect the vulnerable. As the manhunt intensifies, the legacy of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker will remain etched in the hearts of a mourning community. Justice may yet come, but nothing can undo the depth of the loss.