Travis Decker, a father of three daughters, was known as an enthusiastic “girl dad,” actively participating in their lives even after his marriage to Whitney ended in 2022. His longtime neighbor, Binh Nguyen, recalls how Travis took his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, on camping trips in their home state of Washington. On a recent Friday pickup, Nguyen noticed a concerning change in Travis, who looked unkempt and appeared distracted during their brief conversation.
Whitney became alarmed when Travis did not return the girls after their scheduled visitation and was unable to reach him. After contacting the Wenatchee Police Department, a search commenced for her missing daughters and their father. Tragically, within three days, authorities discovered the girls’ bodies near Travis’s abandoned vehicle, leading to suspicions of first-degree murder and kidnapping against him.
Travis, a U.S. Army veteran who struggled with mental health issues, reportedly faced challenges with PTSD after his service. His mental health and personal circumstances deteriorated after leaving the military, which raised concerns within his family about his ability to parent effectively. Following their separation, the custody arrangement shifted, limiting overnight visits but allowing for weekend days with the girls.
As the manhunt for Travis entered its fourth week, Whitney expressed her sorrow and regret about the lack of an Amber Alert for her daughters. She plans to advocate for better alert systems and increased mental health services for veterans to prevent such tragedies from recurring. At a memorial service, Whitney reflected on her daughters, celebrating their personalities and expressing gratitude for their time together.
To support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741 for immediate assistance.