Three sisters found dead at campsite after vanishing with their dad

It’s a story that has shaken the nation — and the search for justice isn’t over.

What should have been a routine visitation ended in heartbreak when three young sisters — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5) — were found murdered at a remote Washington campsite. Now, their father, Travis Decker, is the prime suspect, and a nationwide manhunt is underway.

The girls were reported missing after visiting their father for a court-approved three-hour visit. Days later, their lifeless bodies were discovered in a wooded area near Rock Island Campground, about three hours east of Seattle.

Authorities believe 32-year-old Decker — a military veteran with extensive combat training and a documented history of mental health struggles — suffocated his daughters during what should have been a safe visit.

A Mother’s Worst Nightmare

The girls’ mother, Whitney, said she never imagined their father could be capable of something so horrific. “I didn’t think he was dangerous,” she told KIRO 7. “His mental health can be hard sometimes, but he loved them.”

But court records tell a different story. Decker had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, wasn’t taking his prescribed medication, and had refused to participate in therapy or anger management — all of which were conditions in the proposed custody plan.

In previous filings, Whitney had expressed serious concern for the girls’ safety, citing unsafe conditions during visits — including them sleeping in tents, cars, or armories, often unsupervised. In one disturbing instance, their youngest daughter called crying because she couldn’t find her dad. Another time, Evelyn came home with mysterious welts.

“I’ve bent over backwards to support their relationship,” Whitney wrote. “But I can’t keep letting them live in what’s basically a homeless shelter — or worse.”

The Grim Discovery

On Monday afternoon, police located Decker’s truck near the Rock Island Campground. Just 75 yards away, they found the unthinkable — the bodies of all three girls.

Each had a plastic bag over her head and zip ties around her wrists. Bloodstains were found on the truck’s tailgate, and inside were children’s car seats, food, blankets, and Decker’s wallet — all signs of a trip that was supposed to be innocent and brief.

Nearby, a tent and cooler showed signs of recent use. But Decker was gone.

Murder Charges Filed

Decker has now been charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, with law enforcement warning the public not to approach him if seen.

“We don’t know where he is,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “But we’re using every resource possible to find him.”

Federal and local authorities — including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Homeland Security — have joined the search. Drones are now sweeping the rugged terrain of Icicle Road, a mountainous area popular among hikers and climbers.

Speaking directly to the fugitive, Sheriff Morrison said: “Travis, if you’re listening — this is your chance to do the right thing. Turn yourself in. We’re not going to stop looking.”

A Community in Grief

On Tuesday night, more than 300 people gathered at Memorial Park in Wenatchee to honor the girls. Children blew bubbles into the sky. Music played softly. Handwritten notes from children were taped to tables. One read: “I’m so sorry. No one deserves what happened to you.”

Pastor Mike Wilson offered prayers for Whitney, the investigators, and the entire community now grieving a loss too heavy to bear.

“These girls were a light in this world,” reads a GoFundMe launched to support the family. “And now it’s a darker place without them.”

By Tuesday night, the fundraiser had raised over $350,000 — with messages of love, sorrow, and anger pouring in from across the country.

Still on the Run

As of Wednesday morning, Decker is still missing. He’s described as 5’8”, 190 pounds, with long black hair (usually tied in a ponytail) and brown eyes. He’s believed to be staying in campgrounds or motels and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to call law enforcement immediately — and not to approach him under any circumstances.

A Devastating Reminder

In a world where stories of domestic violence too often go ignored, this tragedy is a gut-wrenching reminder of what can happen when warning signs are overlooked.

As candles flickered into the night sky, one voice echoed gently over the crowd:

“Fly high, sweet girls.”