who is travis decker

Travis Decker was a 32-year-old Army veteran from Washington state who was accused of murdering his three young daughters in June 2025. He had a history of mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and PTSD. After picking up his daughters for a planned visitation on May 30, 2025, he did not return them and subsequently disappeared. His three daughters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were found dead near a campground with evidence indicating suffocation as the cause of death. Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping, and a manhunt for him lasted several months. Human remains believed to be Decker's were found in September 2025, possibly ending the search. He was described by his ex-wife's attorney as an active and present father until the incident, with no prior history of violence toward his family. Decker had served in the U.S. Army and the Washington National Guard with special skills and training. The case gained national attention for the tragic killing of the children and the extensive search for Decker following the incident.