Father Wanted for Murder After 3 Daughters Found Dead

A father’s weekend visitation ends in horror as authorities uncover the zip-tied bodies of three little girls near a remote campground.

The search is on for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old former Army soldier now at the center of a chilling triple murder investigation that has rocked Washington state. Decker is accused of killing his three young daughters—aged 5, 8, and 9—after failing to return them from a planned weekend visit. The girls’ bodies were found Monday, bound and lifeless, in the woods near his abandoned pickup truck.

From Dad to Fugitive

It began as a typical custody exchange. On Friday evening, Decker picked up his daughters from their mother in Wenatchee, a town nestled in central Washington about 100 miles from Seattle. He was supposed to bring them back that night—but never did. When his phone went dark and the girls didn’t return, panic set in.

“This wasn’t like him,” the girls’ mother reportedly told police. “He never missed drop-off, and he always called if something came up.”

By Sunday, law enforcement was combing through the dense terrain of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, closing in on a tip: Decker’s white 2017 GMC Sierra had been spotted near a remote campground west of Leavenworth. The vehicle was empty.

What they found next turned the missing persons case into a murder investigation.

The Scene of a Nightmare

Police discovered the bodies of all three girls within walking distance of the truck. According to court documents, their wrists had been zip-tied, and early evidence suggests they died by asphyxiation.

Authorities are calling it a premeditated act carried out by a man trained in tactics and survival. Decker, who served in the U.S. Army and reportedly received “extensive combat and field training,” has now become the focus of a nationwide manhunt.

“This man is dangerous, and we believe he may still be armed,” said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. “But we are not giving up. We will find him.”

The U.S. Marshals’ Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is now leading the search. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.

Mental Health Red Flags

Court documents from a prior custody case paint a picture of a man spiraling. His ex-wife claims Decker was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had stopped taking his prescribed medication. In the days leading up to the visitation, she noted he had become distant and agitated.

“He told me he might get rid of the dog. He said he couldn’t afford it anymore. That’s when I knew something was off,” she reportedly said to investigators.

Sources familiar with Decker’s military service say he left the Army in 2018 after serving overseas, but struggled to adjust to civilian life.

“He was a capable soldier,” said a former unit member who asked not to be named. “But he came home different.”

Community in Mourning

The girls were students at Lincoln Elementary School. Wenatchee School District Superintendent Kory Kalahar issued a public statement calling the loss “unthinkable.”

“We are devastated. These children were part of our community. We are providing grief support and counseling to all affected,” he said.

The murders have left the city of Wenatchee reeling. Candlelight vigils are being planned as neighbors struggle to make sense of what happened.

Call to Action

Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain alert. Anyone who sees Decker or has information is asked to contact authorities immediately.

“Do not approach him,” said Capt. Brian Chance. “Call 911. Let us handle it.”

Sheriff Morrison delivered a final plea: “Travis, if you’re listening—turn yourself in. You can’t run from this. We won’t stop until justice is served.”