Quick Facts About Travis Decker: 'Mentally Unstable' US Veteran Accused of Killing His Three Daughters

The heartbreaking case of Travis Decker, a former US Army veteran accused of murdering his three daughters during a scheduled visit, has shocked the public on both sides of the Atlantic.

As authorities continue their search for the suspect, this case has raised serious questions about mental health support, child custody oversight, and law enforcement response protocols.

Who Is Travis Decker?

Travis Decker, 32, served in the US Army before transferring to the Washington National Guard in 2021. After leaving the military, he reportedly faced mental health challenges and periods of homelessness. While his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, had previously voiced concerns about his mental stability and parenting, she also stated that she did not initially believe he was dangerous, according to KIRO 7 News.

Despite these concerns and a court ruling that revoked overnight visits, Decker retained unsupervised daytime visitation rights.

The Victims: Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker

Decker's three daughters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were vibrant, much-loved children living in Wenatchee, Washington. On 30 May 2025, they were last seen leaving their home with their father for a scheduled visit. Tragically, they never returned.

The girls' bodies were discovered two days later, bringing a devastating end to the frantic search effort and sparking public outrage.

Timeline of Events: From Visitation to Tragedy

The sequence of events surrounding the disappearance and deaths of the Decker sisters unfolded rapidly over just a few days, painting a chilling picture of how the tragedy escalated. According to Fox 13 News, the following key developments occurred:

• 30 May: The children were collected by Travis Decker for a scheduled daytime visit, with the girls last seen leaving their home in Wenatchee, Washington, at approximately 17:00.
• 30 May (late evening): Whitney Decker contacted authorities after Decker failed to return the children by the agreed time of 20:00.

• 31 May: The Washington State Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert for the children and their father, as the case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert.
• 2 June: The girls' bodies were discovered near Rock Island Campground, a remote wooded area outside Leavenworth, Washington, where Decker's abandoned truck was also located.
• Ongoing: A nationwide manhunt is underway. Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Authorities have urged the public not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately.

Mental Health Oversight and Custody Concerns

Court documents reveal that Decker was required to undergo a mental health evaluation and had been stripped of overnight custody. However, enforcement of these conditions appears to have been inconsistent. Whitney Decker had previously warned of her ex-husband's erratic behaviour and feared for the children's safety.

The case has reignited debate about how mental health issues are handled in child custody arrangements, especially when one parent has a documented history of instability.

Criticism Over Alert System and Police Action

Public frustration has mounted over the authorities' decision not to issue an AMBER Alert. Law enforcement initially treated the incident as a family custody matter, which delayed public awareness. Critics argue that this hesitation may have cost valuable time in the search for the girls.

Child safety advocates are now urging reforms in how alerts are issued and how seriously early warnings from concerned parents are taken.

Community Grieves and Calls for Justice

The Wenatchee community has rallied around the Decker family, holding vigils and offering support to Whitney. Grief counselling has been made available at Lincoln Elementary School, where the girls were students. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support Whitney during this unimaginable time.

As the manhunt for Travis Decker continues, law enforcement is appealing for help from the public while communities across the country demand accountability and reform.