Crime
Father Travis Decker Wanted for Murder After Bodies of 3 Sisters Were Found at Washington Campground
WENATCHEE, WA — A heartbreaking search for three missing sisters in Washington has ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed that the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were discovered near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County on Monday.
The girls’ father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is now wanted on multiple felony charges, including three counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping.
According to the Wenatchee Police Department, the children were last seen around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, when they left for a scheduled court-approved visitation with their father.
When Decker failed to comply with the agreed-upon parameters of the visitation, concerns quickly escalated, prompting authorities to issue an Endangered Missing Persons Alert.
Travis Decker, described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, with black hair (often worn in a ponytail) and brown eyes, is believed to be homeless and was reportedly living in a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck with Washington license plate D20165C.
That vehicle was located unoccupied around 3:00 p.m. Monday near the Rock Island Campground. Shortly after, responding officers discovered the bodies of the three girls at the scene.
Police have not released details on the manner of death, but confirmed that Decker was not present when the vehicle was found.
A manhunt is now underway, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies actively searching for the suspect.
Authorities emphasized that Decker is a former military service member with extensive training and may pose a significant danger to the public.
It is currently unknown if he is armed, and officials are urging the public not to approach him.
Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
“This is an unthinkable tragedy,” the Wenatchee Police Department said in a statement. “We want to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. Our focus now is to locate the suspect and bring justice for the victims.”
The Endangered Missing Persons Alert for the girls was formally canceled late Monday following the discovery of their bodies.
Prior to the grim discovery, the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, had issued a public plea expressing deep concern for her daughters’ safety. “I just want the girls back home safe and sound,” she said.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement urges anyone who may have seen Travis Decker, or has relevant information about his movements or possible whereabouts, to come forward.
This remains an active and evolving investigation.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.