A routine parental visit in Washington state ended in an unthinkable tragedy when three young sisters were found dead after disappearing with their father.

According to PEOPLE, the bodies of Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were discovered near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, launching a statewide manhunt for their father.

The girls were last seen alive on Friday, May 30, leaving their home for what was described as a "planned visitation" with their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker. When the children failed to return home at the designated time and their father became unreachable, local authorities immediately initiated an investigation that would soon reveal a horrifying outcome.

Troubling history raises red flags

Travis Decker's unstable living situation had been a source of concern before the incident. Police records indicate he was homeless, alternating between living in his vehicle and temporary accommodations at various hotels and campgrounds throughout the region. This transient lifestyle complicated efforts to monitor his movements and ensure compliance with custody arrangements.

Despite his precarious living situation, Decker maintained visitation rights under an existing parenting plan. However, his decision to deviate from the agreed-upon parameters of this arrangement immediately triggered alarm bells among family members and law enforcement. The subsequent inability to contact him or locate the children intensified these concerns.

Law enforcement officials have emphasized Decker's military background as a significant factor in their approach to the case. His training and experience have led authorities to exercise extreme caution in their pursuit, warning that he could pose a considerable threat if confronted.

Devastating discovery shocks community

The search for the missing sisters initially focused on Decker's 2017 white GMC Sierra pickup truck, with Washington State Patrol issuing an endangered missing person alert on Saturday, May 31. As hours turned into days, the community's hopes for a positive outcome gradually diminished.

Monday afternoon brought the devastating breakthrough investigators had feared. At approximately 3:45 p.m., authorities located Decker's vehicle near Rock Island Campground. The subsequent search of the area led to the heartbreaking discovery of the sisters' bodies. While police have withheld specific details about the causes of death, the implications were clear enough to prompt immediate murder charges.

The sudden cancellation of the endangered missing persons alert earlier that same day now appears to have been linked to evidence suggesting the girls were no longer alive. This development marked a tragic turning point in what had begun as a missing persons case.

Intensified manhunt underway

Law enforcement agencies across Washington state have mobilized in an unprecedented effort to locate Travis Decker. Standing 5 foot 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, he was last observed wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts, though authorities warn he may have changed his appearance.

Police have issued multiple warnings about the potential dangers Decker poses, citing his military training and unknown mental state. Emergency response coordinators have established a command center to manage the expanding search operation, with special attention being paid to remote areas and potential escape routes.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Custody violations should be taken seriously from the start. In this case, the father had a pre-approved visitation schedule, but once he deviated from the plan, the situation escalated quickly. Anyone involved in custody arrangements should report violations immediately and document all interactions in case of legal need.

2. Monitoring communication is essential during child visitations. When one parent cannot be contacted during or after a planned visitation, authorities must act swiftly, as delays can be critical. This case underlines the importance of maintaining open contact and having check-in procedures in place for parents sharing custody.

3. No one is immune to crime, and victims are never to blame. Even with court systems in place and parenting agreements approved, tragic events can still occur. Communities should remember that missing and harmed children are never responsible, and that blame should remain with those who violate legal and moral boundaries.

Why this story matters

This heartbreaking case has rattled Washington communities and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can emerge even from within a family structure. The loss of three young lives in such a preventable way demands public attention and policy review. It also reinforces the need for fast, coordinated responses when custody arrangements go awry.

Conclusion

The deaths of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker, discovered near a campground in Chelan County, began after a court-approved visitation went wrong when their father, Travis Decker, failed to follow the custody agreement. On May 31, authorities issued an alert after determining the children were at risk.

By June 2, the girls were found dead, and Decker had fled. He is now wanted on multiple murder charges and is considered a threat to public safety. Officials are urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement as the investigation and search continue.