A chilling tragedy has unfolded in Washington state as three young sisters, ages 5, 8, and 9, were found dead under horrifying conditions — zip-tied and with plastic bags over their heads. The girls are believed to have been killed by their father, Travis Decker, who remains at large and is wanted by authorities on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
This devastating case has gripped the local community and raised troubling questions about family dynamics, survival, and justice. Here is a detailed look into the grim details that have emerged so far.
Three Sisters Found Zip-Tied and with Plastic bags over their Heads
Authorities were alerted after Decker’s ex-wife reported that he failed to return the girls following a visitation and stopped answering her calls. The former couple had been married for seven years before divorcing amicably, and the mother had no prior issues with Decker’s visitation or communication about their daughters. The sudden disappearance sparked a weekend-long, countywide search.
Tragically, the search ended with the discovery of the three sisters in a remote part of Washington state, found down an embankment about the length of a football field away from Decker’s abandoned pickup truck. Court documents reveal that the girls were found zip-tied, with plastic bags over their heads, likely killed by asphyxiation as per a preliminary examination. The sight of the girls restrained in such a manner has shocked the community and law enforcement alike.
Decker’s truck was found near a campground west of Wenatchee with his wallet inside, alongside car seats, blankets, food, and ominous signs including bloody handprints on the tailgate and scattered zip ties and plastic bags on the path leading to the girls’ bodies. These disturbing details suggest a premeditated act involving restraints and concealment.
A Pewaukee native is on the run after investigators in Washington found his three daughters dead. According to court documents, they were found in an embankment at a Washington campground with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties around their wrists. @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/KTNZLNl5aM
— Kendall Keys (@KendallKeysTV) June 4, 2025
An arrest warrant for Travis Decker was quickly issued, and the U.S. Marshals Service announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Although Decker is not currently known to be armed, officials warn he should be considered dangerous due to his military background and survival skills.
The Manhunt: Searching for Travis Decker
Travis Decker, 32, is described by those who know him as an outdoorsman with extensive survival training, likely enhanced by his military service. According to Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, Decker has been familiar with living “off-grid” and surviving in the wilderness for extended periods, sometimes months. This knowledge is now complicating the search, as he could be moving stealthily through the rugged terrain.
Decker served actively in the military starting in 2012 before transferring to the National Guard in 2021. However, he has been absent from mandatory monthly drills for roughly a year, raising concerns about his current mental and physical state. Authorities believe he may have prepared for a long period on the run by leaving supplies in advance, making the manhunt more difficult.
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Outdoor survival experts have been brought in to assist law enforcement in combing through the challenging wilderness around Wenatchee. The investigation team is also analyzing electronics found at the scene, including a cellphone, hoping for clues to locate Decker soon. The urgency to find him is fueled by the heartbreak over the loss of the three sisters, who remain a “motivating force” for the search, according to Sheriff Morrison.
Family Dynamics and Warning Signs
Travis Decker’s ex-wife reported no history of recent visitation issues or communication breakdowns. The two shared a civil divorce, and the mother described Decker as communicative regarding their daughters. However, the court documents indicate that Decker refused to sign a parenting plan agreed upon in September, particularly after he became homeless.
The plan required Decker to seek mental health treatment and attend domestic violence anger-management counseling, neither of which he pursued. This refusal and his unstable living situation may have contributed to the escalating situation. Authorities are still investigating Decker’s mental health and whether untreated issues played a role in this tragedy.
The National Guard confirmed Decker’s active-duty status but noted his absence from drills, which could point to a breakdown in his military obligations and possible personal struggles. Friends and family describe him as an outdoorsman since childhood, someone comfortable with survival skills and prolonged periods in the wilderness. These traits, once a point of pride, now pose a serious challenge for those trying to find him.
Community Grieves the Loss of Three Bright Girls
The three sisters, Evelyn, Paityn, and Olivia Decker, were described by those who knew them as bright, joyful children. A local music teacher who had previously taught the girls referred to them as “a true light in this world” and lamented how “it is a darker place without them.” The news of their violent deaths has left the community in shock and mourning.
The Chelan County Coroner positively identified the girls but withheld further details pending the completion of full autopsies. The preliminary findings of asphyxiation have confirmed the severity of the crime, while officials and neighbors alike struggle to understand how such a horrific act could occur.
As the manhunt for Travis Decker continues, residents remain anxious and hopeful that justice will be served. The heartbreaking story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of domestic violence.
The case of the three young sisters found zip-tied and suffocated in Washington state is a tragic and deeply disturbing crime. The search for their father and suspected killer is ongoing, with law enforcement marshaling all resources to bring him to justice. This tragedy has shaken a community and left many mourning the loss of innocent lives.