Travis Decker, a Washington man accused of the tragic murder of his three young daughters, had once pleaded with a judge for more time with them during ongoing custody hearings.
His plea, captured in newly obtained audio, highlights the heartbreaking contrast between his words and the actions that would later unfold.
Custody Dispute and Concerns Over Stability
Travis Decker, 32, was embroiled in a custody battle with his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, when he made his emotional appeal to a Chelan County judge in September 2024.
In the audio, he can be heard insisting that his lifestyle, which involved living out of his truck, RV, and motels, was not a danger to his daughters, aged 9, 8, and 5.
He claimed that he had taken them camping “since the three of them were in diapers,” and he believed it was important for them to experience the world.
However, Whitney Decker had serious concerns about her ex-husband’s mental health and his unstable living situation. She expressed worries that he was not seeking the court-ordered treatment and that his transient lifestyle was unsafe for their daughters.
According to court documents, Whitney reported hearing the girls crying during phone calls while they stayed at his armory residence, which she described as an unhealthy environment for the children.
The Horrific Tragedy
Just months after the custody hearings, the unthinkable happened. On May 30, 2025, Travis Decker picked up his daughters for a scheduled visit, but he never returned them to their mother.
Days later, on June 2, 2025, the three girls were found dead. Authorities believe that Decker suffocated the girls before fleeing, possibly attempting to cross into Canada.
The tragedy came as a devastating blow to their family, with Rebecca Cole, the youngest daughter, losing her life on what should have been her first birthday.
A Search and Manhunt
As investigators began piecing together the details of the girls’ deaths, they quickly turned their attention to Decker. His living situation, unstable mental health, and the disturbing circumstances of the girls’ deaths led police to suspect him in the triple homicide.
A manhunt ensued, and Travis Decker was tracked to the Blewett Pass area near Highway 97. Authorities, including the FBI, National Guard, and U.S. Marshals, have since joined the search to locate him.
Legal Struggles and Final Plea
In his plea to the judge, Travis Decker seemed to downplay the severity of his situation. Despite the concerns raised by his ex-wife and the judge’s decision to modify the parenting plan, Decker was determined to continue his visits with the girls.
“We’ve never done anything that was unsafe or anything that I wouldn’t want to put myself in,” he stated during the hearing, defending his choices as a father. His final words in court, however, would prove to be haunting in light of the events that transpired.
This case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of untreated mental health issues and the importance of stable living conditions for children. Travis Decker’s tragic actions have forever changed the lives of his daughters’ family, and the search for him continues.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities are committed to bringing justice for the three young girls whose lives were cut short.
