The Wenatchee Police Department, as reported by the Associated Press, is actively searching for Travis Decker, a father from Washington state who is accused of killing his three young daughters. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison is determined to bring Decker to justice, stating, “We want to ensure that Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia’s voices are heard, justice is served, and Mr. Decker faces trial in our courtrooms.” The tragic incident unfolded when Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran, disappeared with his daughters during a court-approved visit on May 30. Despite a frantic three-day search, the girls were found dead near Decker’s abandoned truck at Rock Island Campground. The girls were asphyxiated, with plastic bags over their heads and at least one restrained with zip ties. Decker, who has not been seen since, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Authorities suspect he may have been planning to flee to Canada, based on online searches. The manhunt, spanning weeks, has deployed drones, ground units, and helicopters, with sightings of a lone hiker believed to be Decker. Despite the challenges, Sheriff Morrison and his team remain optimistic about finding Decker, even if he is deceased, in order to provide closure to the family and community. Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, was shocked by the tragedy and never suspected her ex-husband of harming the children.
According to Cozart, the couple ended their relationship in 2022 due to his reported mental health issues. “It appeared he was dealing with PTSD from his time in combat,” she explains. “Whitney did her best to support Travis through his struggles with severe paranoia, nightmares, and insomnia.” Despite Cozart’s efforts to seek assistance, Whitney felt that things did not improve. Whitney publicly addressed the situation for the first time during a memorial service on June 20, expressing gratitude for the support received. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. Source: People
