Authorities confirmed Monday that three young sisters found dead near a campground were victims of homicide by suffocation. The girls—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5—disappeared during what was supposed to be a routine visitation with their father, who is now the subject of an intensive manhunt.

According to ABC News, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office released autopsy results determining the sisters died from suffocation. The children's bodies were discovered on June 2 near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County after they left home for a planned visit with their father on May 31.

Court documents revealed disturbing details about the crime scene, including that each child was found with plastic bags covering their heads and zip ties binding their wrists. Their father's truck was recovered at the scene, but Travis Decker remains at large, wanted on multiple charges of murder and kidnapping.

Extensive manhunt underway

Federal authorities have now taken the lead in searching for Travis Decker, covering hundreds of square miles of terrain. Law enforcement has conducted thorough searches of forested areas and dozens of structures where Decker was last believed to be located.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has recovered the suspect's truck and collected numerous personal items as evidence. Investigators noted that blood samples from the scene included both human and non-human sources, with what appeared to be bloody handprints observed on the truck's tailgate.

DNA and fingerprint analyses continue as authorities piece together what happened. Meanwhile, Decker's dog has been recovered and placed in the care of a local humane society while the search for the suspect intensifies.

Father's background raises questions

Travis Decker, described as homeless and recently living in his vehicle or at various motels and campgrounds, is an Army veteran with "extensive training" who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Authorities have not confirmed whether he is currently armed.

The children's mother's attorney, Arianna Cozart, revealed that Decker struggled with significant mental health issues including PTSD. Despite these challenges, he reportedly could not access adequate help through veterans' resources.

"The courts didn't fail these girls. It wasn't the judge and it wasn't Whitney; it was our system," Cozart told ABC News. While court-ordered restrictions limited Decker's overnight visitation rights and ability to take his daughters out of the area, there were reportedly "no red flags" before the children disappeared.

System failures under scrutiny

The case has prompted difficult questions about how the system responds to veterans with mental health challenges who maintain custody arrangements. Despite documented mental health issues and "instability in his life," Decker was still permitted supervised visitation with his daughters.

Cozart's statements suggest a breakdown in veteran support systems rather than family court procedures may have contributed to the tragedy. The situation highlights potential gaps in coordinating mental health services, veteran support, and family court oversight.

Decker, who is 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. His father has traveled to the area to speak with investigators as the search continues.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

While this case has left the community heartbroken, it also brings crucial lessons for families and institutions:

1. Monitor court-ordered visitations closely: If you are a custodial parent and have concerns about the other party’s mental health or behavior, consult with legal counsel about updating visitation agreements. Regular check-ins and communication about schedules can help mitigate unexpected circumstances.

2. Pay attention to behavior changes: Even in the absence of red flags, any noticeable changes in behavior—withdrawal, increased paranoia, or erratic conduct—should be taken seriously. Alerting authorities or seeking a mental wellness evaluation can be a preventive step.

3. Know that crime can happen to anyone: While precautions can lower risks, tragedies can still occur. It's essential not to assign blame to victims or their loved ones but rather to advocate for more support from legal and mental health systems.

Why This Story Matters

This heartbreaking case underscores critical gaps in our system for protecting vulnerable children, even when some safeguards are in place. It also exposes the complexities involved when mental health, custody battles, and public safety intersect. As the investigation continues, the nation watches for justice to be served and for accountability within the structures meant to prevent tragedies like this one.

On May 31, sisters Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker went missing during a court-approved visit with their father, Travis Decker, in Washington state. Just two days later, police found their bodies near a campground, determining they had been murdered through suffocation. As federal agents search for Decker, evidence continues to emerge detailing the horrific circumstances and raising serious questions about the child protection system. Authorities request public assistance in locating Decker and urge caution if he is seen.