Travis Decker, the man accused of murdering his three young daughters, is at the center of a chilling case that has shocked the nation. The bodies of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County in early June 2025, with disturbing details emerging from the investigation. The three girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties around their wrists. Decker, who remains on the run, has been charged with one count of kidnapping and three counts of first-degree murder.
Travis Decker’s Plea for More Visitation Time
Before the tragic deaths of his daughters, new audio recordings have surfaced capturing Decker’s desperate pleas in family court. In the recordings, Decker is heard speaking to a judge, requesting more time with his daughters, despite a history of mental health issues and past allegations of endangerment. At the time, Decker was allowed limited visitation due to concerns raised by his ex-wife, Whitney, and her lawyer, who feared for the safety of the girls during their time with him.
In the audio, Decker expresses frustration at the reduced visitation time, pleading for more access to his children. “I already only get a day and a half, two days, with my daughters, and it’s two nights,” he told the judge. “It’s a Friday night, Saturday night, and because of my current job and the current location, I’m in Idaho working, I am in the U.S. [Carpenter’s Union], so where I go, where the work is, is where I come. And through the new parenting plan, it takes away basically all my opportunities to be around the girls when I’m not at work.”
Travis Decker. Credit / Wenatchee Police Department.
Decker’s Mental Health and Custody Disputes
Decker’s mental health had been a significant factor in the ongoing custody battle over his daughters. In September 2024, a judge ruled in favor of Whitney, granting her near-full custody of the children, while Decker was limited to visitation on alternate weekends. Whitney and her lawyer had cited concerns about the girls’ safety, including reports of disturbing behavior during Decker’s weekend visits.
One of the more troubling reports came after an overnight trip with their father at the Wenatchee armory, during which the girls were reportedly heard crying to their mother over the phone. This incident was one of the key reasons why Decker was not allowed to keep the children overnight. Despite these issues, Decker continued to argue for more time with his daughters, claiming that his camping trips and other outdoor activities were safe and enriching for the girls.
“I don’t believe that my weekends should be completely taken away since I have been gone. Every time I’ve had the girls, we have been in campsites, in national forests and paid campsites that have campers. We’ve never done anything that was unsafe or anything I wouldn’t want to put myself in,” Decker stated in the recorded audio.
.
The Search for Travis Decker
In the wake of the tragic deaths of his daughters, authorities have launched an intense search for Travis Decker. He remains the primary suspect in the murders and kidnapping, and law enforcement has expressed concerns that Decker’s military training might be helping him evade capture. Decker, a former member of the U.S. Army, served in Afghanistan in 2014 before transferring to the Washington National Guard.
As of June 8, 2025, federal authorities took over the search efforts after local officials requested additional resources. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is still actively involved in the investigation, coordinating the search and gathering crucial evidence.
“We had reached a point where we need to rest our local resources,” a statement from the CCSO said. “However, CCSO leadership remains closely involved in search coordination and continues their lead with the criminal investigation.”
The search for Decker has captivated the nation as authorities work tirelessly to locate him. With his military background and suspected planning in advance, law enforcement believes that Decker may have prepared a hideout before committing the brutal crimes.
A Disturbing and Devastating Case
The case of Travis Decker and his daughters has left the community in shock and disbelief. The brutal and heart-wrenching details of the murders have raised questions about the safety of children in custody battles and the extent of the risks posed by individuals with a history of mental health issues. Despite his tragic pleas for more time with his children, the events that unfolded have cast a dark shadow over the case.
As the search for Travis Decker continues, authorities urge the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him. The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.
.
Our Thoughts and Prayers
As this disturbing case unfolds, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The tragic loss of three young lives has deeply affected their community, and justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia remains a top priority for law enforcement officials.
The case is still in its early stages, and authorities continue to gather information and pursue leads. The ongoing investigation will undoubtedly reveal more details in the coming weeks, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this unfathomable tragedy.
This article provides a detailed overview of the case involving Travis Decker and his three daughters, touching on the disturbing audio recordings, the custody dispute, and the search for Decker. The investigation into this heartbreaking tragedy continues as the public hopes for justice and answers.