In a heart-wrenching incident near a Washington campground, Travis Decker stands accused of the tragic murder of his three young daughters. The girls, identified as Paityn Decker (9), Evelyn Decker (8), and Olivia Decker (5), were reported missing after leaving their home for a scheduled visitation with their father at approximately 5 p.m. on May 30. Officials later discovered their bodies near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, but Travis Decker remained unaccounted for.
The attorney for Whitney Decker, Travis's ex-wife, revealed that he struggled with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Arianna Cozard, Whitney's attorney, Travis, a former military member, faced significant barriers in accessing mental health resources. Cozard emphasized that the responsibility does not lie with the courts or Whitney, but rather with the system that failed to provide adequate support for Travis, stating, "If somebody would have provided Travis with the help that he needed, those girls would be alive."
Cozard noted that while there were no apparent red flags before the incident, Travis had a history of mental health struggles that led to restrictions on overnight visitations. Despite these challenges, the father was described as loving and communicative with his daughters and ex-wife. Cozard recounted the couple's history, stating they met online while Travis was stationed at a military base in Washington and remained inseparable throughout their ten-year marriage.
Travis Decker's PTSD symptoms reportedly intensified after he exited active reserves in 2023. Cozard described troubling behaviors, including nightmares and sleep disturbances, that plagued him during their marriage. His decision to initiate the separation in 2023 stemmed from feelings of inadequacy. In September 2024, Whitney sought legal counsel to impose restrictions on Travis's parenting due to concerns about his mental state.
The court allowed Travis limited visitation rights, permitting him to spend three hours with the girls on Fridays and eight hours every other weekend, contingent upon him remaining in the Wenatchee Valley. Cozard indicated that this arrangement had been functioning effectively until the tragic events unfolded. She stated, "Something came out of this man and he broke...there's nothing that indicates that he did [have a plan to kill them]."
On May 30, Travis picked up the girls and spoke to Whitney for about 15 to 20 minutes before leaving, assuring her he would return at 8 p.m. However, he never came back. Cozard emphasized that Travis had never exhibited violence toward Whitney or their daughters, portraying him as a devoted father involved in their extracurricular activities.
In the wake of this tragedy, Whitney Decker expressed her enduring love and empathy for Travis, highlighting the duality of his nature as both a loving dad and a man who succumbed to overwhelming pressures. Cozard noted that Whitney and she are now advocating for enhanced mental health resources for veterans and collaborating with law enforcement to reform the Amber Alert system. Cozard criticized the absence of an Amber Alert when the girls initially went missing, stating, "When there is a parent with limited visitation that has this history of mental health issues...that Amber Alert should have been issued."
Describing the three young sisters as "full of light" and "kind," Cozard mourned their loss. Travis Decker, who is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts. Authorities have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.
