The mother of three young girls who were allegedly killed by a homeless father has spoken out for the first time, delivering a heartfelt tribute to her daughters more than three weeks after the tragic incident where she was choked and bound.
Whitney Decker was visibly emotional during a memorial held on Friday, as she continues to search for her estranged husband, Travis Decker, who is the prime suspect.
“I truly hope that my daughters’ legacy will forever remain in everyone’s hearts,” she shared, reflecting the grief felt by many for her daughters—nine-year-old Evelyn, eight-year-old Olivia, and five-year-old Paityn.
Whitney fondly remembered how she and Travis had learned to communicate better with one another for their children’s sake after their divorce.
“Post-divorce, there were so many emotions swirling within our home, especially with three little girls,” she explained.
“When life slowed down, it helped me appreciate their daily experiences,” she added.
“I think that approach allowed them to grow up with compassion and kindness,” Whitney noted.
She concluded by expressing her gratitude to those who attended the memorial service at Rocky Reach Park in Wenatchee, appreciating the “overwhelming love” from the community.
Travis, a 32-year-old military veteran living on the streets, and Whitney separated in 2022 due to his ongoing mental health challenges.
He was last seen on May 30 when he took the girls out for a scheduled visit. The girls were reported missing that same evening after Travis did not return.
On June 2, authorities discovered the sisters with plastic bags and zip ties around their heads and wrists near a campsite close to Travis’s abandoned vehicle. It was later confirmed that they died from suffocation.
With the search for Travis nearing its fourth week, some suspect he may have taken his own life. Federal authorities have joined the extensive hunt.
Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison expressed his concern that “misguided” sympathizers might attempt to assist him in evading capture.
“He’s facing charges for three murders, and he poses a serious danger,” the sheriff underscored, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
