Missing Girls Found Dead
The frantic search for three missing young sisters in Washington State ended in heartbreak Tuesday as authorities discovered their bodies in a wooded area of Thurston County. Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is now the subject of an intense statewide manhunt and is wanted for three counts of aggravated murder and kidnapping.
The girls, identified by family members as 11-year-old Ava Decker, 9-year-old Bella Decker, and 7-year-old Chloe Decker, were reported missing late Sunday evening after their mother, Emily Decker, said they failed to return from a scheduled weekend custody visit with their father.
What began as a missing persons case quickly escalated after Travis Decker stopped responding to calls and messages. According to court records, Decker and the girls’ mother had been involved in a bitter custody battle following their separation last year. Decker was allowed supervised visits with his daughters, but police now believe he violated those terms and took the girls without consent.
An Amber Alert was issued early Monday, sparking a multi-county search involving local police, the FBI, and Washington State Patrol. Tragically, the search ended Tuesday afternoon when a hiker stumbled upon what appeared to be a shallow grave near a logging road south of Olympia. Authorities later confirmed the bodies were those of the missing sisters.
“This is the worst possible outcome,” said Thurston County Sheriff John Michaels during a somber press conference. “These were three innocent young girls whose lives were stolen. We are doing everything in our power to locate Travis Decker and hold him fully accountable.”
Decker’s vehicle, a gray 2016 Dodge Journey SUV, was located late Monday night abandoned off a dirt road about 15 miles from the burial site. Investigators believe Decker fled the area on foot and may be attempting to hide in the surrounding forest or heading toward the Cascade Mountains. The terrain is rugged, complicating search efforts.
K-9 units, helicopters, drones, and infrared surveillance are being deployed around the clock to comb the dense wilderness. Decker is described as 6’1”, 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie and jeans. Police caution that he may be armed and dangerous.
The FBI has issued a federal warrant for his arrest and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Court records reveal a troubling history. Decker had been the subject of several police calls over the past two years related to domestic disturbances and was once under a restraining order filed by his ex-wife. That order was lifted six months ago after Decker petitioned for unsupervised visits with his children, which a judge denied. Friends of the family say Emily Decker had long feared for her children’s safety.
“She told me she was scared something like this would happen,” said Sarah Liu, a close friend of the family. “She did everything right—she went to court, she filed the paperwork. The system failed her.”
The murders have shaken the small community of Olympia, where the girls were well-known in their school and neighborhood. On Tuesday night, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil at Roosevelt Elementary School, where Ava and Bella were students. Chloe had just completed first grade at a nearby primary school.
“This community is grieving deeply,” said Superintendent Laura Matthews. “These were bright, kind-hearted children who touched everyone around them.”
Governor Jay Inslee issued a statement expressing his condolences and vowing full support for law enforcement’s ongoing efforts.
“We are heartbroken by this unimaginable tragedy,” Inslee said. “Our state grieves alongside the family and will support every effort to bring the suspect to justice.”
Investigators say they are reviewing Decker’s phone records, financial transactions, and any potential survivalist contacts he may have had. According to police, Decker had previously expressed anti-government views online and showed interest in off-grid living and wilderness survival.
Authorities are asking the public to be alert. Anyone who may have seen Decker or has knowledge of his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office tip line.
“This isn’t over,” Sheriff Michaels said. “We will not stop until Travis Decker is in custody.”
As the investigation continues, the Decker family mourns an unimaginable loss—three young lives taken far too soon, and a mother left devastated. Community members are organizing meal trains and donations to support the grieving family in the weeks ahead.
