CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — Newly released court audio reveals Travis Decker, the man now charged with murdering his three young daughters, fought to keep overnight visits with them just months before their tragic deaths.
Decker, 32, vanished on May 30 after picking up Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, for a court-ordered visitation. When he failed to return them, the girls’ mother and his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reported them missing. On June 2, the sisters were found dead at a remote campground in Chelan County, near Decker’s abandoned pickup truck.
In court audio dated September 27, 2024, and obtained by News Nation, Decker is heard defending his parenting, saying:
“We’ve never done anything that was unsafe… I’ve never done anything that puts them in any sort of risk.”
He emphasized that the campsites he brought them to were “almost completely booked out or sold out,” implying they were well-trafficked and safe. However, authorities described Decker as homeless, often living in his car, motels, or campgrounds.
Despite concerns over his mental health, Decker insisted camping was a tradition he shared with the girls since they were “in diapers.” He acknowledged his personal hardships, but claimed they didn’t affect his parenting.
According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, Whitney Decker filed to limit his visitation in September 2024, citing his mental health issues and a pattern of neglect. A court parenting plan ultimately reduced his visitation to just three hours on Fridays and eight hours every other weekend, with strict location restrictions.
Whitney also asked the court to require anger management and domestic violence evaluations, along with a psychiatric assessment, stating that if he failed to comply, she could further restrict access.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for Decker. On June 10, investigators tracked a subject believed to be him to the Blewett Pass area near Highway 97.
Authorities urge anyone with information to call 911, or submit tips to the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and speak with a certified crisis counselor.
