Found Deceased Olivia 5, Evelyn 8 & Paityn Decker 9, found dead, manhunt on for father, Travis Decker 32, wh 2017 GMC Sierra PU, Wenatchee, 30 May 2025 #2

[Sjöberg]

I must say that for now, I'm also not sure they're on the right trail. It is understandable, why they don't share with the public why they currently think that they are - but this also means, that for now, I personally have no basis to say that it really is him.

Why I don't yet really think it is him, is because no matter in what state of mind and for what motive he committed the murders, looking at his life prior to the murders, I just don't think he would have managed to get far and avoid the searchers for this long if he is moving around. All of it feels disorganized, ill-prepared, messy, maybe impulsive. He is no mastermind, and for whatever intellectual baseline and mental state, he is clearly curretly not operating in his prime.

We don't know what other hints they have besides this one sighting of one suspicious hiker. If this is really the main thing they have, I think he is insted dead somewhere closer to the girls. But maybe they have some actual proof that it is really him in the area (tho I don't think we even know what he was wearing at the time or anything he took along, so unless he dropped his ID or they have a good visual of him, or he is dumb enough to carry a phone, how could they?). If it is him, I really hope that he can be arrested in a safe way to all parties involved.

 

[Charlot123]

.

I must say that for now, I'm also not sure they're on the right trail. It is understandable, why they don't share with the public why they currently think that they are - but this also means, that for now, I personally have no basis to say that it really is him.

Why I don't yet really think it is him, is because no matter in what state of mind and for what motive he committed the murders, looking at his life prior to the murders, I just don't think he would have managed to get far and avoid the searchers for this long if he is moving around. All of it feels disorganized, ill-prepared, messy, maybe impulsive. He is no mastermind, and for whatever intellectual baseline and mental state, he is clearly curretly not operating in his prime.

We don't know what other hints they have besides this one sighting of one suspicious hiker. If this is really the main thing they have, I think he is insted dead somewhere closer to the girls. But maybe they have some actual proof that it is really him in the area (tho I don't think we even know what he was wearing at the time or anything he took along, so unless he dropped his ID or they have a good visual of him, or he is dumb enough to carry a phone, how could they?). If it is him, I really hope that he can be arrested in a safe way to all parties involved.

Two days ago when everyone was so excited that they were zeroing in, I was not sure that "the sighting" was him. Logic tells me that he either left the area or, maybe something has happened to him.

 

[RedHaus]

I still don't think the person they saw is him.

I've lived in my car before. When your car is your home usually all or most of what you own is in it, including food, supplies, clothes/shoes.

A lot of ultralight hikers look "ill equipped," especially people doing long distance hiking. They often have small packs & wear only tank tops & shorts. And they tend to avoid conversation because they're in a hurry.

I've been in the wilderness and freaked out because I saw government drones. More than once. I didn't run, but was planning to if they got close to me! I wouldn't do that with a helicopter because I see them constantly living in a big city, but to me it's not a stretch that someone would run from a random plane getting close to them if they didn't know why it was happening

Thank you for stating that.

I too am skeptical the 'ill equiped lone hiker' was TD. That is, unless TD is in the midst of a psychotic episode, which would explain absence of logic.

1. To be visible on a trail by other hikers or by helicopters would be counter to anyone trying to hide, especially with back country Ranger training.

2. To have survived this long and traversed snow covered passes, in very cold temps, and steep terrain, and undercover, he'd be equipped.

3. The lone hiker could have been an ultralight hiker, a trail runner, or someone where they shouldn't be (no camping or hiking pass), or an immigrant w/out paper.

That said, I sincerely hope LE is indeed on the trail of the right person.

Because if they aren't, this search may not have an ending if TD is dead in a hidden mine or if he has managed to evade authorities and is long gone.

IMO.

ET: fix formatting

 

[Knox]

it is, but one would imagine there would have been much planning beforehand and more importantly, food supplies and clothing/footwear. We do not know what, if anything TD had with him. From the reports from the manhunt, it would appear that the person spotted by the hiker/s was ill equipped?

I wonder what made the hiker use that description? Was he wearing flip flops? No backback?

 

[tlcya]

I wonder what made the hiker use that description? Was he wearing flip flops? No backback?

yes, a better description of "ill equipped" would be helpful

 

[Rescuedawg]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree.
What are your thoughts planned or unplanned in regards to the girls?

I think that he planned the attack, at least in part. And it’s possible that he planned it down to the last detail. It’s very possible for one to do that even when they are in the throes of mental illness. I think, based on his brother’s statements about his history of not paying child support and based on his own lack of follow through and how that led to garnishment, I think his anger about child support was one factor. Then I think that his likely anger about Whitney rejecting his attempts to reconcile, I think those are factors in this tragedy. Again, just my opinion. And I realize that I may be wrong in that.

 

[Snoop Sister]

Any updates?
I was on the flight app late last night, I didn’t see any helicopters or search planes what so ever in designated areas discussed at the police conference. Also, this morning there wasn’t any activity in the areas either. I wonder if they are focusing on ground searches or the searches are being done off the radar? Is the later even possible?

 

[ttjo]

I think that he planned the attack, at least in part. And it’s possible that he planned it down to the last detail. It’s very possible for one to do that even when they are in the throes of mental illness. I think, based on his brother’s statements about his history of not paying child support and based on his own lack of follow through and how that led to garnishment, I think his anger about child support was one factor. Then I think that his likely anger about Whitney rejecting his attempts to reconcile, I think those are factors in this tragedy. Again, just my opinion. And I realize that I may be wrong in that.

Agree, a bunch of stressors that built up over time that felt insurmountable. I dont know much about how one just snaps, or what it takes, everyone is different. It just doesnt sound like you can have both can you? planned and snap?
Can it just be that you've thought about it and prepared and eventually you reach your breaking point. Hard to imagine it, when it comes to your kids.

PS I love your quote by Robin Williams

 

[ttjo]

and then there is the after... how long can a brain stay in a state of fight or flight?

 

[MizStery]

I think that he planned the attack, at least in part. And it’s possible that he planned it down to the last detail. It’s very possible for one to do that even when they are in the throes of mental illness. I think, based on his brother’s statements about his history of not paying child support and based on his own lack of follow through and how that led to garnishment, I think his anger about child support was one factor. Then I think that his likely anger about Whitney rejecting his attempts to reconcile, I think those are factors in this tragedy. Again, just my opinion. And I realize that I may be wrong in that.

Thank-you for your posts.

The link below has a quote from Whitney’s father Chris Richter. His comments along with Travis Decker’s brother help give us additional insight into what is known.

Grandfather of 3 slain girls speaks out | Waukesha Co. News | gmtoday.com

<snipped for emphasis >
Chris Richter admitted he wasn’t in their household, but his opinion was that Decker was “tired of adulting such as having three kids and going to work every day.”

Richter accused Decker after getting divorced of “going wild and drinking too much, not paying child support.”

Please log in

Grandfather of 3 slain girls speaks out

PEWAUKEE — A distraught and grief-stricken grandfather is questioning why his former son-in-law Travis Decker, who is accused in the deaths of his three daughters, was given visitation rights while

www.gmtoday.com

My Opinion Only I am only sporadically able to be on our thread. But I continue to try to read everyone’s post. Thank’s to each one of you for keeping this thread going.

 

[Snoop Sister]

Thank-you for your posts.

The link below has a quote from Whitney’s father Chris Richter. His comments along with Travis Decker’s brother help give us additional insight into what is known.

Grandfather of 3 slain girls speaks out | Waukesha Co. News | gmtoday.com

<snipped for emphasis >
Chris Richter admitted he wasn’t in their household, but his opinion was that Decker was “tired of adulting such as having three kids and going to work every day.”

Richter accused Decker after getting divorced of “going wild and drinking too much, not paying child support.”

Please log in

Grandfather of 3 slain girls speaks out

PEWAUKEE — A distraught and grief-stricken grandfather is questioning why his former son-in-law Travis Decker, who is accused in the deaths of his three daughters, was given visitation rights while

www.gmtoday.com

My Opinion Only I am only sporadically able to be on our thread. But I continue to try to read everyone’s post. Thank’s to each one of you for keeping this thread going.

The ex in law also stated that while married, he didn’t have an issue with TD. Interesting

“He said when the two were married, Richter had no issues with him during that time.”

Grandfather of 3 slain girls speaks out

PEWAUKEE — A distraught and grief-stricken grandfather is questioning why his former son-in-law Travis Decker, who is accused in the deaths of his three daughters, was given visitation rights while

www.gmtoday.com

 

[UsernameRequired]

Just received this email update from the GoFund:

We invite our community to gather in love and remembrance at a public memorial honoring Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker.

Friday, June 20 at 7:00pm
Rocky Reach Park
5000 State Highway 97 A
Wenatchee, Washington

This memorial offers our community a meaningful space to come together in shared grief, love, and support. Out of deep respect for Whitney and her family, we ask all attendees to be present with care and compassion as we cherish the lives and memories of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. This will be a time of unity, love, and reflection - honoring their lives together.

We ask that you wear purple, pink and green for the Decker girls. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a candle and glow stick.

Please note:

Rocky Reach Park is a no-fly zone. Drones are not permitted.

All media must check in at the Rocky Reach Dam gate, present valid credentials, and will be directed to a designated media area.

Parking and Shuttle Information for Memorial Event

Due to limited on-site parking at Rocky Reach, guests are encouraged to carpool or use the Link Transit shuttle service.

Shuttles and parking will be available at:

Old Station - Pick up will be in front of the Confluence Technology Center. A continuous shuttle will start at 5:30 pm and throughout the duration of the event.

Lincoln Elementary - Bus Loading Zone off Methow St. Buses will load at 5:30 pm and depart at 6:00 pm. No continuous shuttle will be offered.

Shuttle boarding begins at 5:30 PM, and Rocky Reach will open at 5:00 PM.
Please refer to the map for parking lot locations.

Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on, and your own candle and glow stick. We encourage you to bring water.

 

[oceanverde]

"There is some info in the court docs, that talk about this.
It may not have been a long history but it was escalatng.

“Since our separation, it has become increasingly clear that Travis has been struggling to maintain stability in his life,” Whitney said in the declaration seen by KIRO 7 News.

Decker’s “lack of stability” was blamed for leading to a “negative impact on their children,” by Whitney.

The three girls were “deeply affected,” which led to “heightened emotional stress,” she added.

Dad-of-3 Travis Decker’s ‘unstable’ behavior in months before allegedly murdering his daughters

"Since our separation, it has become increasingly clear that Travis has been struggling to maintain stability in his life," Whitney Decker wrote.

www.aol.com

“

"Travis has been struggling to maintain stability in his life"

Lack of stability does not equal violence or abuse. Stability normally means lack of housing, lack of maintaining a job, etc. The grandfather's comments corroborate that.

"tired of adulting such as having three kids and going to work every day."
“going wild and drinking too much, not paying child support.”

Also it was mentioned he lived off grid for like 2.5 months. That's not stability that would allow him to see his children regularly, hold down a job, etc.

 

[RedHaus]

Any updates?
I was on the flight app late last night, I didn’t see any helicopters or search planes what so ever in designated areas discussed at the police conference. Also, this morning there wasn’t any activity in the areas either. I wonder if they are focusing on ground searches or the searches are being done off the radar? Is the later even possible?

Thank you, @Snoop Sister for diligently monitoring the flight app. Your observations are interesting. It does make me wonder if a) LE is on the ground having narrowed in on TD's location, b) LE has captured TD alive or found him dead and notifications are underway, c) LE has lost whatever trail they had of whomever, and are regrouping, trying to formulate a new interagency plan, or d)?

I sure hope it is a) or b), because c), as I've postulated, could mean this search is interminable.

 

[Snoop Sister]

Thank you, @Snoop Sister for diligently monitoring the flight app. Your observations are interesting. It does make me wonder if a) LE is on the ground having narrowed in on TD's location, b) LE has captured TD alive or found him dead and notifications are underway, c) LE has lost whatever trail they had of whomever, and are regrouping, trying to formulate a new interagency plan, or d)?

I sure hope it is a) or b), because c), as I've postulated, could mean this search is interminable.

Thank you @RedHaus.
I was wondering the same and thank you for posting the possible scenarios so clearly. It is my opinion that it is a) or c) but I am leaning toward c. I really hope I am not right though.

 

[ttjo]

"Travis has been struggling to maintain stability in his life"

Lack of stability does not equal violence or abuse. Stability normally means lack of housing, lack of maintaining a job, etc. The grandfather's comments corroborate that.

"tired of adulting such as having three kids and going to work every day."
“going wild and drinking too much, not paying child support.”

Also it was mentioned he lived off grid for like 2.5 months. That's not stability that would allow him to see his children regularly, hold down a job, etc.

I agree, I just quoted the whole piece. He was never physiclly violent according to Whtney, I think he had anger out bursts and even if not directed at the kids, it could scare them, especially if it wasnt something they were used to seeing. I dont think he was abusive to them, but Whitney said they were deeply affected by his situation?
wasnt this about whether there were indicators of danger possibly to get an amber alert? ? I cant remember now why we were bringing this up?
Maybe thats the change that needs to happen. what if someone was never violent or abusive, is that the only thing that qualifies kids as being in danger? What if the potential is there?
like mounting stress, and situations that feel like there is no way out.

 

[UsernameRequired]

Any updates?
I was on the flight app late last night, I didn’t see any helicopters or search planes what so ever in designated areas discussed at the police conference. Also, this morning there wasn’t any activity in the areas either. I wonder if they are focusing on ground searches or the searches are being done off the radar? Is the later even possible?

Yes, far less air activity. During the last press conference, Sheriff Morrison stated they are changing their search tactics. He wasn't specific but I am guessing he is referring to less search helicopters and search planes and more ground work with ATVs, drones, people on the ground hiking and searching in general. They cannot keep flying helis and planes at that rate daily without draining their resources very quickly.

"You will see a change in our tactics as we proceed forward you will not see the amount of resources that we have had out there but you are seeing a different element of our approach as we continue to track down Travis..."

 

[Dotta]

Mother's tragic mistake that led to ex-husband killing their daughters

Whitney Decker hadn't raised any concerns to the court about her ex-husband Travis's behavior throughout their three-year long divorce proceedings.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[ttjo]

A press conference and gathering at Seattle City Hall Plaza on June 13 will address the tragic deaths of the Decker sisters, allegedly murdered by their father during unsupervised custody.
The event aims to honor witney decker , and to urge reforms in family courts and amber alerts for family cases


https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/event-calls-for-safety-reforms-in-family-courts-amber-alerts-after-decker-sister-murders/ar-AA1GFDnq

 

[RedHaus]

Mother's tragic mistake that led to ex-husband killing their daughters

Whitney Decker hadn't raised any concerns to the court about her ex-husband Travis's behavior throughout their three-year long divorce proceedings.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Thank for posting, @Dotta.

While it is the DM, I found these bits fascinating and appropros to our current discussion.

I think this tells us a lot.

"...And even now, with Travis on the run and wanted for their murders, DailyMail.com can reveal that Whitney still feels 'almost purely empathy' for her ex-husband, who she believes was failed by a broken system."

" 'She knows that the monster that came and out and killed her babies is not Travis,' her attorney Arianna Cozart, who has spoken with the grieving mom extensively since the kids' bodies were found last week, told DailyMail.com."

" 'She has a lot of empathy still for Travis,' Cozart said as she recalled Whitney telling her to 'think about what he must have fought and struggled with all these years'."

" 'For this to come out of this man who was a loving father, he's broken, a broken man. It's not him,' said Cozart."

" 'She just wants him to come back to humanity here because obviously he suffered some sort of break.' "