Heartbreaking Discovery: Three Young Sisters Found Dead After Visit With Father — Police Searching for Suspect
A devastating tragedy has shaken Washington state, as three young sisters who vanished following a scheduled visit with their father have been found dead.
The bodies were discovered on Monday, June 2, 2025, near Leavenworth in Chelan County. Authorities have identified the girls’ father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, as the prime suspect in their deaths and are now urgently seeking the public’s help in locating him.
Police are asking anyone with information on Decker’s whereabouts to come forward as the investigation intensifies.
Victims Identified as Three Sisters, Ages 5 to 9 — Disappeared After Missed Custody Exchange
The victims have been identified as Olivia Decker, 5; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Paityn Decker, 9 — three sisters whose lives were tragically cut short.
The girls were reported missing on Friday, May 30, after their father failed to return them to their mother following a scheduled visitation. According to authorities, the children were expected to be back in their mother’s care by 8 p.m. that evening, per their custody agreement.
When 90 minutes passed with no sign of the girls and no word from their father, their mother grew increasingly concerned and contacted police — a call that would soon launch a heartbreaking investigation.
Tragic Scene Uncovered Near Campground — Suspect’s Vehicle Found Abandoned
Authorities made the grim discovery after locating a truck registered to Travis Decker near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County. The vehicle was empty — but not far from it, investigators found the bodies of the three missing sisters.
Early findings from the investigation reveal deeply disturbing details. The girls appeared to have been restrained with zip ties, and plastic bags had been placed over their heads. Officials believe the cause of death was asphyxiation.
The investigation remains active, and police continue their urgent search for Decker, who has not been seen since the girls were reported missing.
Father Now Wanted for Triple Murder and Kidnapping — Considered Armed and Dangerous
Travis Decker is now the subject of an intense manhunt. He faces three counts of first-degree aggravated murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his daughters.
Law enforcement agencies warn that Decker may be armed and should be considered extremely dangerous. Authorities have also revealed that he is a former military member with extensive tactical training, heightening concerns about the risks involved in his apprehension.
Investigators believe Decker has been living out of his truck, frequenting remote campsites and motels. He currently has no known permanent address. According to family members, Decker had been struggling with serious mental health issues in the months leading up to the tragedy.
Police are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward immediately.
Ongoing Investigation — Community Rallies Behind Grieving Mother
The investigation into this heartbreaking case remains active, and authorities continue to urge the public to share any information that could lead to the arrest of Travis Decker.
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Whitney Decker, the mother of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn. As of June 4, 2025, the fundraiser has collected $332,556 toward its $380,000 goal.
The donations will help cover legal fees, burial costs, and provide Whitney with critical financial support as she takes time away from work to grieve and honor the memory of her daughters.
Anyone with knowledge of Travis Decker’s whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.
Just a few days prior, tragedy struck a family in Albuquerque when a 35-year-old man murdered his family before killing himself.
Four members of the Bockemeier family were found dead in Albuquerque on the morning of Saturday, May 24, 2025, in what police are investigating as a possible murder-suicide.
Fire Reveals Grim Scene in Albuquerque — Three Family Members Found Shot Inside Home
At approximately 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) responded to a house fire on the 2800 block of Georgia Street Northeast, near the intersection of Candelaria and Louisiana. Upon arrival, firefighters made a grim discovery: three deceased individuals inside the burning home.
Investigators believe all three victims had suffered gunshot wounds prior to the outbreak of the fire.
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists were quickly called to the scene to launch a full investigation.
Authorities later identified the victims as a married couple — 76-year-old Stephen William Bockemeier and 77-year-old Marcia Elizabeth Bockemeier — and their 48-year-old son, Erik Josef Bockemeier.
Shooter Identified in Apparent Family Tragedy
Shortly after the initial scene was discovered on Georgia Street, Albuquerque Police received a second call reporting a deceased individual found outside the front entrance of the State Bar of New Mexico, near Jefferson Street Northeast and Masthead Street Northeast.
The man was later identified as 35-year-old Andrew Stephen Bockemeier, the youngest son of Stephen and Marcia Bockemeier.
Detectives recovered a firearm at the scene of Andrew’s death and confirmed it matched the weapon used in the shootings at the family’s home. Based on forensic evidence and the timeline of events, investigators believe Andrew fatally shot his parents and older brother before taking his own life in what police are now treating as a murder-suicide.
Authorities Discover Note, Investigation Continues
Officials confirmed that a note was found at the family residence, though its contents have not been made public. The Albuquerque Police Department continues to investigate the exact cause of the fire and any other factors involved in this tragic event.
Gilbert Gallegos, APD’s communications director, provided a brief statement:
“The individual who died by suicide was the son of those parents, and that was his brother who was killed in the house. So at this point, it appears this individual shot and killed his parents and his brother.”
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances behind this devastating family tragedy.
APD Highlights Mental Health Concerns Amid Ongoing Investigation
Gilbert Gallegos, APD’s communications director, also reflected on the broader impact of such tragedies:
“It’s troubling. It was troubling last year. I think that totaled about ten deaths last year just from those couple of incidents. To see this happen today, too, it’s just another reminder that some families are going through different things that we don’t know about.”
Authorities believe mental health issues may have contributed to this devastating event. As the investigation continues, police are working diligently to uncover more details about the circumstances leading to the deaths of the four family members.
The Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit remains actively engaged in the case, and the community awaits further updates with heavy hearts.
