Army veteran wanted for triple filicide likely dead in Washington wilderness
Authorities in Washington state say they have likely found the remains of Travis Decker, a 33-year-old Army veteran and National Guardsman who was wanted for murdering his three young daughters in June.
Decker’s suspected body was located in the Icicle River drainage, three months after police launched a nationwide manhunt. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said the clothing found on the remains matched what Decker was last seen wearing, but official identification will come from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.
Brutal killings of three little girls
On June 2, Decker picked up his daughters for a scheduled visitation. Days later, the bodies of Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) were found near his truck with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties on their wrists. Investigators believe the girls died from asphyxiation.
Court records revealed that Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, had previously raised concerns about his mental health and petitioned for supervised visitation, but the court had allowed unsupervised visits.
Signs of planning an escape
Investigators discovered Decker had searched online about moving to Canada and finding jobs there. His body was found just 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, which leads directly into Canada. Authorities believe he may have been using his survival training to hide out in the wilderness.
Mental health struggles and veteran care
Family and lawyers said Decker’s mental health had sharply deteriorated after his military service. Whitney Decker’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, criticized the U.S. veteran care system, saying the children might still be alive if proper mental health resources had been provided.
Push for Amber Alert reform
Whitney Decker is now urging Washington state to reform its Amber Alert system, arguing that an alert should have been issued immediately when she reported her children missing. She believes earlier action could have saved their lives.
Timeline of Travis Decker case
Background
- Pre-2023 – Travis Decker, an Army veteran and former Army Ranger, experiences worsening mental health after leaving active duty.
- 2023–2024 – Divorce finalized with ex-wife Whitney Decker. Custody battle results in Decker being granted unsupervised visitation on alternate weekends despite her concerns.
Lead-up to the crime
- May 26, 2025 – Decker searches online about relocating to Canada, including visiting the Canadian government’s job portal.
- May 30, 2025 – Court records show he was acting increasingly unstable.
- June 2, 2025 – Picks up daughters Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) for scheduled visitation.
The murders
- June 5, 2025 – Authorities find the girls’ bodies near Decker’s truck in rural Washington. Cause of death: asphyxiation (plastic bags and zip ties).
- June 6, 2025 – Nationwide manhunt launched. Authorities warn Decker is dangerous and could be anywhere in the U.S.
Manhunt and evidence
- June–August 2025 – Remote areas in Washington temporarily closed as search continues. Police release Ring camera footage showing Decker shortly before the killings.
- Summer 2025 – U.S. Marshals say Decker may be attempting to flee into Canada via wilderness routes.
Discovery of remains
- September 17, 2025 – Human remains found in the Icicle River drainage. Sheriff confirms clothing matches Decker’s last known outfit.
- September 18, 2025 – Chelan County officials announce remains are “likely” Decker’s; identification pending lab results.
Aftermath
- September 2025 – Whitney Decker calls for urgent reforms to Washington’s Amber Alert system, arguing earlier alerts might have saved her children.