Three young girls went missing in Washington State, leaving a community in shock. This tragedy has touched many hearts, changing a family forever. Here, we'll cover the incident, the victims, and the community's response.
Overview of the Incident
On Friday, May 30, three sisters—Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia—went missing after a visit with their father, Travis Decker. By Monday, June 2, the Wenatchee Police Department confirmed the girls were found dead near Leavenworth, Washington. The search for their father began after he failed to return the children to their mother, Whitney Decker.
Travis Decker, 32, is the main suspect. He is wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. Police across the state are searching for him.
Many agencies, including local police and the FBI, are working together. This shows how serious the case is.
Timeline of Events
The tragic events unfolded over several tense days. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Friday, May 30 - 9:45 p.m.: The mother reported the girls missing when Decker did not return them after a supervised visit.
- Immediate Search Begins: Police and other agencies start searching hotels and checking surveillance data. The Flock database showed Decker’s truck heading westbound on Highway 2 from Wenatchee.
- Saturday, May 31: Wenatchee Police applied for an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) after their Amber Alert request was denied.
- Throughout the Weekend: Local police, the FBI, and Chelan County deputies search possible locations across Chelan County, including the areas between Icicle Road and Chumstick Road near Leavenworth.
- Monday, June 2 - 3:45 p.m.: A Chelan County deputy finds Decker's unoccupied white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck near the Rock Island Campground, accessed via Icicle Road.
- Shortly After: Investigators finds the bodies of Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia near the truck.
- Current Status: Travis Decker is stil at large, with police urging the public not to approach him but to call 911 if he is spotted.
The entire process moved quickly but, heartbreakingly, not quickly enough to save these children.
Details About the Victims
Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker—ages 9, 8, and 5—were more than just names in a news story. They attended elementary school in Wenatchee and were known to families in their community through sports and school activities. Parents remember seeing them at games and in the classroom, describing them as kind, lively, and full of promise.
Victim Details:
- Payton Decker, 9 years old
- Evelyn Decker, 8 years old
- Olivia Decker, 5 years old
- All sisters
- Daughters of Travis and Whitney Decker
The closeness of their ages, combined with their connection to school and sports, made them fixtures in their neighborhood—a loss that stings deeply for families and teachers alike.
After the girls' deaths, the school and community quickly organized a vigil. This shows how much they were loved. The outpouring of grief and support was immense.
Profile of the Suspect, Travis Decker
Travis Decker, the girls' father, is now the focus of a statewide manhunt. Here’s what is known:
- Age: 32
- Background: Decker is a former military member. His training makes him hard to catch.
- Dangerous: Police say Decker is likely armed. He is considered highly dangerous. If you see him, do not approach—call 911 right away.
- Vehicle: He was last seen driving a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck, Washington plate D20165C. This truck was recovered near Rock Island Campground but Decker wasn’t found nearby.
Public Warning:
Do not try to contact or confront Travis Decker. Immediate danger is possible. Always contact law enforcement if you have information.
His military background has police on edge. Their warnings to the public have been strong and direct. Decker remains at large, and the search continues across several counties.
Law Enforcement Response and Amber Alert Controversy
After the girls went missing, the Wenatchee Police Department and Washington State Patrol started searching right away. On the night of Friday, May 30, police requested an Amber Alert. But it wasn't issued because the case "did not meet the required criteria."
Instead, an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA) was issued on Saturday, May 31. EMPA alerts notify the public about individuals believed to be endangered. But they don't have the same immediate, widespread reach as an Amber Alert.
Key Differences:
- Amber Alert: Intended for children believed to be abducted and in immediate danger, requiring specific evidence such as witnesses or vehicle details.
- Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA): Used for cases where there is concern for a missing individual’s safety but where Amber Alert standards may not be met.
The decision not to issue an Amber Alert has drawn criticism. Many are asking if the system failed these three girls. They wonder what can be done to prevent such issues in future cases. Law enforcement is reviewing the criteria for alerts and discussing how to respond in urgent situations.
Law Enforcement Collaboration:
- Wenatchee Police
- Chelan County deputies
- FBI
- Washington State Patrol
- Homeland Security helicopter units
All these efforts show the seriousness of the situation. But questions of process and whether more could have been done sooner have arisen.
Impact on the Family and Community Support
Whitney Decker, the girls' mother, must be feeling immense pain. She spoke to reporters before the worst was known, holding onto hope for her daughters' safe return.
After the girls' deaths, Whitney stepped out of the public eye. A close family friend now shares messages on her behalf. They urge the community to support the family and help police find Travis Decker.
The local community quickly rallied after the tragic news. A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $200,000 to help Whitney Decker with expenses and support.
A family friend stressed two ways to help: support through donations and by providing police with any leads—always putting safety first.
At the vigil, classmates, teachers, and neighbors gathered to remember Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia. Candles, flowers, and heartfelt words turned a moment of despair into a reminder that this family is not alone.
Additional Key Details and Current Status
Truck Recovery: On June 2, investigators found Travis Decker’s white GMC Sierra pickup truck abandoned near Rock Island Campground. The girls' bodies were discovered nearby, but there was no sign of Decker himself.
Manhunt Continues: Travis Decker remains at large. Police remind everyone that he is likely armed and should be considered extremely dangerous. Chelan, Wenatchee, and surrounding counties remain on alert, with law enforcement using every tool at their disposal to track Decker down.
What To Do If You Have Information:
- Contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911.
- Do not attempt to approach or engage with Travis Decker.
- Stay updated as new information becomes available.
The loss of Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker has left an ache in the hearts of many in Wenatchee and beyond. What started as a routine family arrangement ended in unthinkable heartbreak. While the search for Travis Decker goes on, the focus also shifts to supporting those left behind and examining how child safety alerts can work better in the future.
For more information, ongoing updates, and to see community coverage, watch the full LiveNOW from FOX segment at the top of this post.
If you want to donate or follow the story, please visit the Wenatchee Police Department or trusted local news sources, and support Whitney Decker's family directly through GoFundMe as shared by the community. If you have any information, call 911 right away.
The community, strong in the face of tragedy, continues to hope for answers and for justice for Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia.
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