Travis Decker Manhunt Timeline: Inside the Search for the Missing Washington Dad Accused of Killing His 3 Daughters

The Decker sisters were found dead on June 2, and the search for their father, Travis Decker, has now concluded.

On Sept. 18, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that human remains believed to be Travis’ were discovered in a remote, wooded area outside of Leavenworth, Wash. Authorities later confirmed on Sept. 25 that the remains were indeed his, though the coroner’s investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing.

On May 30, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, went missing during a “planned visitation” with their father and were found dead three days later. On June 6, friends and community members in Wenatchee Valley, Wash., gathered to honor the young girls.

“They were the kind of children that everyone rooted for, looked for, looked forward to seeing and held close in their hearts,” family friend Amy Edwards said. “They are cherished, not just by the family, but by our entire community who watched them grow, perform, learn and love. We ache with the love we still carry for them, and we always will.”

Authorities launched a long search for Travis, who was facing charges connected to his daughters’ deaths. During a June 3 press conference, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison addressed him directly: “Travis, if you’re listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in, do the right thing, do what you need to do and take accountability for your actions.”

“We’re not going to rest, and we’re going to make sure we find you,” he continued. “You will be brought to justice, those young ladies deserve it.”

Here’s a detailed timeline of the Travis Decker case:

2022: Divorce of Travis and Whitney Decker
Attorney Arianna Cozart, representing Whitney, shared that the couple had been married for just over seven years before splitting in 2022 due to Travis’ mental health struggles, which included feelings of isolation, paranoia, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Despite seeking care as an Army veteran, Travis was unable to obtain sufficient support.

September 2024: Whitney Decker files parenting plan
In a parenting plan filed in Chelan County Superior Court, Whitney sought to limit Travis’ time with their daughters. She cited that Travis had “neglected his parental duties towards a child” and “has a long-term emotional or physical problem that gets in the way of his ability to parent.”

The plan granted Travis visitation for three hours on Fridays and eight hours every other weekend, provided he remained in Wenatchee Valley. Whitney also requested that he undergo anger management, a domestic violence evaluation, and a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Noncompliance would allow Whitney to further limit visitation.

May 26, 2025: Travis allegedly searches “how to relocate to Canada” online
According to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit, Travis searched online about relocating to Canada and reviewed a Canadian job site.

May 30, 2025: Decker sisters go missing
The sisters were last seen during a scheduled visitation with their father. According to Wenatchee Police, Travis “went outside the parameters of” the visitation, raising alarm. The girls’ mother reported them missing after Travis failed to return them by 8 p.m.

Capt. Brian Chance explained that the mother called police because the situation was unusual. The affidavit also noted Travis’ ongoing mental health challenges and his transient living situation.

May 31, 2025: Endangered persons alert issued
The Wenatchee Police Department issued an endangered missing persons alert, stating the girls were “believed to be missing and unable to return home on their own.” At the time, the investigation did not meet AMBER Alert criteria.

June 2, 2025: The young girls are found dead
Authorities located the girls near Rock Island Campground, Chelan County, at 3:45 p.m. Travis was not at the scene. Law enforcement reported finding his vehicle nearby with evidence inside, including blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet. Cell phone activity suggested he had been at the campground a day prior.

June 3, 2025: Travis Decker faces charges
Travis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping, in addition to custodial interference charges. Police warned he could be armed and posed a risk. Authorities had no leads on his location at the time, offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

June 5, 2025: Whitney’s attorney comments on Travis’ mental health
Cozart told ABC News that Travis had shown “no red flags” before the incident but struggled with PTSD and other mental health issues. She said, “The courts didn’t fail these girls… the system really let Travis down.”

June 6, 2025: Speculation about Travis’ death
Cozart told PEOPLE she believes Travis may have died by suicide, noting he had been an active and present father until the end.

June 8, 2025: Search handed to federal authorities
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office transferred the search for Travis to federal authorities but continued to lead the criminal investigation.

June 9, 2025: Autopsy results released
Authorities confirmed the sisters’ deaths were due to suffocation, ruled as homicides. The GoFundMe campaign for Whitney surpassed $1 million.

June 13, 2025: Court affidavit highlights Travis’ struggles
Whitney described Travis as experiencing mental health challenges and being homeless at the time. The affidavit cited prior traffic incidents and noncompliance with the parenting plan.

June 17, 2025: Court audio released
Audio revealed Travis discussing his efforts to spend weekends with his daughters at campsites after losing overnight custody.

June 24, 2025: Whitney Decker speaks publicly
Whitney expressed gratitude for time with her daughters, emphasizing the importance of their legacy and the love she shared with them.

Sept. 18, 2025: Travis’ remains found
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office reported human remains believed to be Travis’ in a remote area south of Leavenworth. Preliminary findings suggested they were his, and the family was kept informed throughout the investigation.

Sept. 25, 2025: Travis Decker’s death confirmed
Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed the remains matched Travis. He stated there are no other suspects, and the coroner’s investigation may take months. Morrison added, “We wanted to show honor to [the girls]… Let them know that we never forgot about them.”