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.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.