Three sisters found suffocated, zip tied after visit with father, manhunt underway

Sinar Daily

17-06-2025

SHAH ALAM – A routine custody visit turned into a horrifying tragedy in Washington, United States (US), when three young sisters were found dead on June 2, just days after going missing during a scheduled visit with their father, Travis Decker.
The victims – Paityn Decker (9), Evelyn Decker (8) and Olivia Decker (5) – had been in their father's care at the time of their disappearance.
As authorities continue a nationwide search for the 32-year-old fugitive, troubling details have emerged about Decker's mental health, military background and the final moments of his daughters' lives.
A Scheduled Visitation That Ended in Horror
The Decker sisters were last seen alive on Friday, May 30, when their father Travis picked them up at 5pm for a planned custody visitation. Their mother, Whitney Decker, expected them home by 8pm, but they never returned.
Concerned and sensing something was wrong, she reported them missing at 9.45pm.
According to police, Travis had gone "outside the parameters" of the agreed parenting plan, which was considered "not normal and cause for alarm."
The Wenatchee Police Department said at the time that the case did not initially meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, but an Endangered Missing Person Alert (Empa) was issued the following day.
A Mother's Fears and Pleas
In the time leading up to the tragedy, Whitney raised concerns about her children's safety due to Decker's worsening mental health.
Court filings reviewed by The Seattle Times reveal that Whitney described Travis as having emotional and mental health struggles, which she said were the main reason their marriage ended and had significantly impacted their daughters.
Despite these issues, she never intended to limit his time with the girls and wanted him to remain involved in their lives with at least a minimum level of contact.
"He was in the Army for many years. Upon separation, his borderline personality disorder and narcissism became rampant. Travis just keeps getting more and more unstable.
'But he has got to get better for our girls,' she wrote in legal documents. Travis (left), his ex-wife Whitney (right) and their daughters. Photo: Edited via Canva
The Shocking Discovery
On June 2 at around 3.45pm, authorities found Decker's car near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington; about 112 kilometres east of Seattle. Not far from the vehicle, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia.
Court documents revealed the girls had plastic bags over their heads and their wrists were also zip tied or showed signs of being zip tied.
The scene was strewn with zip ties, plastic bags, and other personal belongings, including car seats, blankets, food and a wallet on the truck's console.
Bloodied handprints were found on the tailgate of the vehicle. The cause of death, according to a preliminary report cited by Fox 13 Seattle, is believed to be asphyxiation, a form of suffocation where the body is deprived of oxygen.
A Father on the Run
Travis remains missing as of June 5. Law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels have joined in an intensified manhunt. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him.
The FBI, US Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol are now involved in the case. On June 4, drones were deployed by federal agents in the search. A $20,000 reward has been announced for information leading to Decker's arrest.
Decker is described as 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with black hair, a mustache and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured shirt and dark shorts.
Military Past and Mental Decline
According to multiple reports, Travis is a military veteran with extensive training in survival and wilderness tactics. He reportedly earned the elite Army 'Ranger' tab and served as an instructor at the Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia, US.
Since 2021, he was affiliated with the Washington National Guard but had stopped showing up to his monthly drills and disciplinary discharge proceedings had begun. The last drill he attended was roughly a year ago, Fox 13 reported.
His ex-wife had disclosed that Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and she believed he was not on medication. Olivia (left), Paityn (centre) and Evelyn. Photo: X
Charges Filed Against Decker
Authorities have charged Travis with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping, in addition to earlier charges of custodial interference. As the manhunt continues, investigators say Decker's cell phone data shows he had visited the Rock Island Campground the day before picking up his daughters.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though investigators are combing through court documents, digital records and witness statements for answers.
Community in Mourning
The girls' mother, Whitney, has received support from friends and the wider community. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Amy Edwards, who described the tragedy as heartbreaking.
'We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed. Their light touched so many and the pain of this loss is immeasurable. I will miss seeing their sweet little faces,' Amy said.
The deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia have shaken Washington's community and beyond. As the search continues for Travis, authorities are asking for public vigilance and continued tips to help bring closure to a deeply tragic case.