Authorities in central Washington state are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping following the tragic discovery of his three young daughters.
The investigation began when the girls’ mother reported that Decker had failed to return their daughters, aged 9, 8, and 5, after a scheduled visit on Friday evening.
Concerned for their safety, she contacted law enforcement when Decker was late returning them, which was described as out of character for him.
By Saturday, multiple agencies, including Wenatchee police, began searching for both Decker and the missing girls.
Reports indicate that Decker had been living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck with Washington plates.
Authorities found the unoccupied vehicle near a campground west of Leavenworth on Monday, prompting continued investigations in the area.
During the search, officers unfortunately discovered the bodies of the three girls, intensifying the urgency to locate Decker and confirm his safety.
Although it remains unknown if Decker is armed, police are treating him as potentially dangerous, advising the public not to approach him and to contact 911 with any information regarding his whereabouts.
The Wenatchee School District confirmed that the girls were students at Lincoln Elementary, providing counseling services for students and staff while urging respect for the families involved in this tragedy.
The girl’s mother expressed her alarm to police, stating that Decker usually communicated regularly, making his lack of contact particularly troubling, especially given his history of mental health issues.
“Decker reportedly has never done this before, and … is currently experiencing some mental health issues,” said Captain Brian Chance of the Wenatchee Police Department.
The Washington State Patrol received a request for an Amber Alert on Friday night. However, the circumstances did not fit the needed criteria at the time, causing some concern among law enforcement officials about the adequacy of emergency response protocols.
Later, as more details emerged regarding the situation, an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued, which highlighted the growing urgency of the case.
Chris Loftis, the director of public affairs for the state patrol, explained that the initial call didn’t suggest imminent danger as Decker was a custodial parent, making it a less likely abduction scenario.
However, in light of the heartbreaking outcome, Loftis acknowledged a pressing need for improvements in how similar cases are managed in the future.
“This is an absolute tragedy,” he said. “We are mourning along with the community.”
As of now, Decker is reported to have a military background, having joined the Army in 2013, later transferring to the Washington National Guard.
He was a full-time member until 2023 or 2024, at which point he switched to part-time status and subsequently ceased attending mandatory drills over a year ago.
The Washington Military Department has confirmed that disciplinary actions were pending against Decker regarding his service.
Law enforcement is actively collaborating with U.S. Marshals to locate and apprehend Decker amidst ongoing searches in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest area, where credible leads continue to surface.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information that leads directly to Decker’s arrest.
The discovery of the girls marks a deeply tragic end to a search that had begun with hopes for their safe return, leaving the community grieving and searching for answers.
This case highlights significant concerns regarding the safety of children in custody arrangements and the implications of mental health in such family dynamics.
As investigators continue to work diligently on the case, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice and closure following this devastating loss.
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