Former U.S. Army soldier Travis Decker, who served over eight years and is a veteran of the Afghan war, was in deep trouble. He now stands accused, on serious charges, in the connection of the death of his three daughters. The girls, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, were found deceased three days after he picked them up for a scheduled visit on May 30. As investigators try to fit together pieces of the puzzle to form a picture of Decker’s mental state and actions leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
A diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, which encompasses “extreme mood fluctuations, instability in interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity,” has raised questions about Decker’s mental well-being. It was just a month earlier that he had refused a co-parenting plan, according to police reports. This plea agreement mandated that he pursue mental health treatment and anger management. This refusal ultimately led to a custody battle with the children’s mother, Whitney Decker, that became a source of greater tension and instability, according to Taryn.
According to law enforcement, just four days prior to the incident, Travis Decker Googled the following. He began doing research on moving to Canada, everything from finding a job there to how to pack up and move. This new information has led investigators to question his plans before he went missing with the kids.
The Disappearance and Discovery
On the evening of May 30, Travis Decker went to retrieve his daughters from their mother’s home for an agreed-upon three hour visitation. He has not been heard from since that day. The case turned horrifying when authorities found the children’s bodies three days later. They did find plastic bags over the victims’ heads, and their wrists were tied.
Law enforcement located Decker’s truck and personal items approximately 75 yards from the site where the children’s bodies were found. The region is only a little over twelve miles from California’s Pacific Crest Trail, a growingly popular long-distance hiking path. This close distance opens up even more alarming possibilities around Decker’s potential getaway plan. According to the author, an approximate 200-mile walk from the nearest developed trailhead would take you to Canada.
“Whitney is living every mother’s worst nightmare,” said Amy Edwards, a family friend who expressed deep sympathy for the grieving mother.
In the aftermath of this unthinkable tragedy, authorities have charged Travis Decker with aggravated murder and kidnapping. The federal charge of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution only deepens this already confusing case. His capture The U.S. State Department’s reward for information leading to his arrest is now up to $20,000.
Investigative Challenges
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case. They understand that some things need to be kept secret.
“During any criminal investigation, including this one, there is law enforcement sensitive information that is not shared with the public in order to protect the integrity of the investigation,” a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Law enforcement has asked for the public’s continued patience and cooperation as they and the public deal with the emotional aspects involved in this case.
“We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding and cooperation during this complex and emotional investigation,” added the Sheriff’s Office representative.
Investigators are continuing to look for Travis Decker. In the intervening time, community members are left to grieve the tragic killing of three innocent lives. The circumstances of their deaths bring us to a place of deep sadness and outrage.
The Aftermath
Amy Edwards described Whitney’s pain in stark terms:
“The hole in her heart is immeasurable. There are no words that can capture the weight of this loss.”
The community continues to be on the lookout as they wait and see what happens next in this troubling case. Law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to locate Travis Decker and uncover more information regarding his actions leading up to this tragedy.
