A massive search effort is underway in Washington state for Travis Decker, a 32-year-old former active duty soldier accused of murdering his three young daughters. Decker’s daughters, Olivia, 5, Evelyn, 8, and Paityn, 9, were found suffocated at an isolated campsite east of Seattle on June 2. The father, who has not been seen since May 30, is facing charges of aggravated murder and kidnapping.
According to investigators, Decker’s Google searches revealed that he had been looking into ways to move to Canada before his disappearance. The searches, which included “how does a person move to Canada,” were made four days before he vanished. Decker’s truck and personal items were found near the campsite, along with his dog, which was later taken to a local humane society.
Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney, told authorities that he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had refused to sign a parenting agreement that required him to seek mental health treatment and anger management. She also stated that he was quieter than usual when he picked up the children for a scheduled visit on May 30, and failed to return them as planned.
The search for Decker has been challenging due to the rugged terrain of the Cascades and his survivalist background. The Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile path that runs to the Canadian border, is less than a dozen miles from the campsite where the girls’ bodies were found. National Guard helicopters have been deployed to aid in the search, and a reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest.
The community is in shock, and Whitney Decker is described as “living every mother’s worst nightmare.” Family friend Amy Edwards said, “The hole in her heart is immeasurable. There are no words that can capture the weight of this loss.” The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Decker.