Three young sisters—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia Decker (5)—were found murdered after a weekend visit with their father, Travis Decker, a homeless ex-soldier. The tragedy has shocked Washington state and reignited concern over child custody safeguards.

Travis and his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, had been separated since 2022. Whitney became alarmed when her daughters weren’t returned after the weekend. “Her calls went straight to voicemail,” and despite notifying authorities, no immediate action was taken. A warrant was issued Sunday for interference with custody.

On Monday, the girls’ bodies were discovered near Travis’s truck. “Each had a plastic bag over her head and wrists bound.” Autopsies confirmed they died from asphyxiation.

Police are now searching for Travis Decker, who fled the scene. His military training complicates the manhunt. Charges have been upgraded to murder and kidnapping.

This horrific case has sparked national outrage, raising questions about custody decisions, lack of urgent response from authorities, and whether more support is needed for troubled veterans. As one community mourns, many across the U.S. are demanding justice—and change.