As the manhunt intensifies in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, former Army infantryman Travis Decker—now the subject of a nationwide fugitive search following the brutal killings of his three young daughters—is drawing outrage and disbelief from those who once served alongside him.
Decker, 32, is accused of murdering Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) Decker during a scheduled custody visit. Their bodies were discovered in a remote campsite near Leavenworth, WA, after he failed to return them to their mother on May 30.
The suspect’s past military connections are now coming into focus, painting a picture of a once-disciplined soldier who reportedly struggled after leaving the Army—and who some say always had something to prove.
Former Teammate: “He Worshipped His Dad, a Green Beret”
One of Decker’s former squadmates from the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, spoke exclusively to FOX 13 under condition of anonymity. The two served together in Italy in 2017 and kept loose contact through social media after their time in uniform.
The teammate described Decker as “quiet, a bit of an outcast, a hard worker, and somewhat of a narcissist.”
“He was constantly talking about his dad, who was a Green Beret. He worshipped him,” the former teammate said. “It felt like he had something to prove.”
Before arriving at the 503rd, Decker had reportedly been removed from the elite 75th Ranger Regiment after failing to complete Ranger School. Though he appeared in uniform wearing a Ranger tab in some online photos, multiple sources now confirm he never earned it officially.
Despite his ambition to return to Special Operations, Decker never reentered the pipeline.
“We All Feel Betrayed”
Those who once wore the uniform beside Decker say they are shaken.
“All of us who served with him feel betrayed and are beyond distraught with the news,” his former squadmate said.
Decker’s social media activity changed drastically following the killings. Former teammates say he deleted photos, videos, and unfollowed most of his connections in the days after the girls’ bodies were found.
Timeline of the Tragedy
Decker picked up the children for a scheduled visit on May 30. When he failed to return them to their mother, Whitney Decker, that night, she reported them missing.
On June 3, deputies discovered Decker’s truck abandoned at Rock Island Campground. Two bloody handprints marked the tailgate. The girls’ bodies were found nearby, down an embankment, with signs they had been bound with zip ties.
Authorities have not released the exact cause of death but confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has warned the public that Decker may still be in the rugged forested areas around the Pacific Crest Trail and Lake Chelan. More than 100 law enforcement officers, including federal and state partners, are involved in the search. Governor Bob Ferguson activated the Washington National Guard to provide helicopter support.
Mental Health Warning Signs
According to a September 2024 court filing, Decker’s ex-wife raised concerns about his deteriorating mental health and unstable housing situation. She asked a judge to prevent overnight visits with the girls until he secured suitable housing.
Read More: Father of three girls found dead was living at a National Guard Armory with them
“He loves his girls very much but he has got to get better,” she wrote at the time.
Her warnings were not heeded, and the court allowed visitation to continue—an oversight that many now believe cost three young girls their lives.
Amber Alert System Criticized
On the night the girls were reported missing, Wenatchee police requested an Amber Alert. The Washington State Patrol declined, citing that it did not meet the criteria for an “imminent threat.” An endangered missing person alert was issued the next day—but by then, it was already too late.
Family friends now say Whitney Decker is calling for changes to the state’s alert system and increased mental health resources for veterans.
Public Help Needed
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Travis Decker’s arrest. Authorities are asking residents in remote areas to lock cabins, outbuildings, and homes, leave blinds open for aerial surveillance, and turn on outdoor lights at night.
Decker should be considered dangerous and possibly armed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
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