Father allegedly murders three daughters before going on the run
- Travis Decker picked up his daughters on May 30, 2023, for a scheduled visit and failed to return.
- The bodies of the three sisters were discovered dead on June 2, with suffocation ruled as the cause of death.
- The case has sparked national outrage and heightened concerns about Travis's mental health and the justice system's handling of custody.
In Washington state, a tragic incident unfolded involving Travis Decker and his three young daughters, Paityn Decker, Evelyn Decker, and Olivia Decker. On May 30, 2023, Travis, aged 32, picked up the girls from their home in Wenatchee Valley for a scheduled visitation, but they never returned. As their absence was reported, authorities issued a search for the girls, highlighting that Travis was homeless and had been living in his vehicle or temporary accommodations in the area. Just days later, on June 2, the girls' lifeless bodies were found near a campground, prompting a swift and intense manhunt for their father. The circumstances surrounding their deaths shocked the community; police confirmed the girls had been suffocated, and there were disturbing details about the crime scene. Autopsy results indicated the deaths were homicides. Meanwhile, concerns about Travis’ mental health and stability had already been raised prior to the incident, leading to court decisions granting him limited visitation rights. In the following weeks, a series of both frantic and organized searches for Travis took place. Authorities expressed frustration as the operation progressed with little evidence of his whereabouts. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of cadaver and tracking dogs, Travis remained elusive. Reports also revealed that he had been making internet searches related to relocating to Canada just prior to the incident, raising suspicions about his intentions. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials, including local sheriff deputies, expressed anger and disappointment over the challenging manhunt. As the search continued, investigators discovered Travis’ vehicle parked at a campsite where the family was believed to have camped. Investigators also found an abandoned tent near the location of the girls' bodies, believed to be linked to Travis. Amidst growing public concern and the motives behind the incident, the tragic situation became a national point of focus, reflecting on domestic issues, mental health awareness, and the tragic implications of family court decisions.