The small community of Leavenworth, Washington, is reeling after the deaths of three young sisters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—at the hands of their father, Travis Decker. The horrifying discovery at a remote forest campsite revealed the girls had been bound, suffocated, and left with plastic bags over their heads. Decker, a former military serviceman with advanced survival skills and a history of mental illness, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
The tragedy did not start in the woods—it began weeks earlier with warnings from their mother, Whitney Decker. She had repeatedly reported her ex-husband’s erratic behavior, including anger outbursts, paranoia, and threats. Despite her pleas, law enforcement dismissed her concerns as custody disputes, refusing to issue an Amber Alert, citing strict criteria that require confirmed evidence of abduction.
Whitney’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, emphasized that her client did everything possible to prevent this nightmare: documenting threats, alerting authorities, and expressing fear for her children’s safety. “Whitney did everything right. She called. She documented. She warned them. And still, nothing happened,” Cozart said.
The girls were discovered two days later at a campsite Travis knew well from his military training. Investigators believe the murders were premeditated, with evidence suggesting he may be surviving off-grid using his skills.
This case has ignited national outrage and a renewed conversation about systemic failures in protecting children. Experts point to weaknesses in Amber Alert policies, which often exclude cases involving mental health concerns or custody disputes, and argue for better coordination between family courts, law enforcement, and mental health services.
Online, thousands have joined the movement #JusticeForTheDeckerGirls, demanding reforms to ensure that credible parental warnings are taken seriously. Mental health professionals note that Travis’s profile—a veteran with untreated PTSD and borderline personality disorder—is tragically common, and without intervention, can escalate to dangerous behavior.
Washington lawmakers are reviewing Amber Alert criteria, considering more flexibility for cases involving domestic violence and mental health risks. Advocates are also calling for investment in crisis response teams trained to handle high-risk family situations.
Whitney Decker, grieving but resolute, continues to fight for accountability and systemic change. At vigils across the state, the three sisters’ smiling faces have become a symbol of lost innocence and the cost of inaction. Whitney’s message is clear: “If someone tells you they’re scared for their children, don’t wait. Don’t ask for proof. Just listen.”
The search for Travis Decker continues, with authorities warning the public not to approach him. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, and grapples with the hard truth that warnings went unheeded, with devastating consequences.