Wenatchee Custody Visit Tragedy
Authorities in Wenatchee, Washington, investigated a devastating case that began as a routine court-ordered custody visit and ended in the deaths of three young sisters. The community remains deeply affected by the events.
What Happened
On May 30, 2025, sisters Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) Decker left their home for a scheduled visitation with their father, Travis Caleb Decker, who was supposed to return them by the evening. When the girls did not come home, their mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing. Attempts to contact Travis failed.
Discovery of the Children
On June 2, 2025, authorities found Travis’s abandoned white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck near Rock Island Campground. Nearby, the girls were found bound with zip ties and with plastic bags over their heads. Autopsies confirmed homicidal suffocation as the cause of death.
Travis Decker was charged with:
Three counts of first-degree murder
Three counts of kidnapping
Custodial interference
DNA evidence linked him to the crime.
Manhunt and Investigation
A nationwide manhunt ensued, involving multiple agencies. Investigators noted troubling online searches by Travis prior to the killings, including attempts to research moving to Canada, suggesting possible planning.
An Amber Alert was not issued initially because the case did not meet specific criteria, though an Endangered Missing Person Alert was activated.
Later in 2025, human remains believed to be Travis Decker’s were discovered in a remote wooded area, and DNA testing confirmed his identity, indicating that he was deceased.
Background on Travis Decker
Age 32 at the time of the incident
Former Army and National Guard service
History of mental health struggles and unstable living conditions
Previously regarded by family and friends as a caring father, with no known history of violence
Community Impact
The deaths of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia devastated Wenatchee. The tragedy sparked conversations about child safety, mental health considerations in custody arrangements, and the criteria for issuing Amber Alerts.
Conclusion
A routine custody visit ended in one of the most heartbreaking domestic cases in recent U.S. history. The loss of the three sisters and the nationwide search for their father underscored the importance of vigilance, mental health awareness, and community support. The case remains a reminder of how quickly domestic situations can escalate and the lasting impact on families and communities.