Mom issues new statement as manhunt for father continues after his three daughters were found dead following visit
The mom of three little girls who were found dead after visiting their father has issued a fresh statement amid the ongoing manhunt.
Travis Decker, 32, has been missing since early this month after a planned custody visit with his three daughters, Paityn Decker, nine; Evelyn Decker, eight; and Olivia Decker, five.
The girls' mom, Whitney Decker, had raised the alarm that the children were missing on May 30, but sadly, their bodies were found days later at the Rock Island Campground in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
At the time, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office reported that the three young children were found by a deputy who said they had plastic bags over their heads, and that their hands may have been zip-tied.
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Shortly after, an update shared on Facebook on June 24 by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office claimed that Decker may have 'disappeared into the forest around the Rock Island campground in Chelan County'.
An extensive manhunt was launched, with 'thousands of hours' spent trying to arrest the father who has been accused of killing his daughters.
Sadly, while the police believe he may no longer be alive, his ex-wife, Whitney, paid tribute to their three children in a memorial service where she hoped 'the legacy of the girls' lives, lives on in everyone's heart forever'.
"They were incredible," she added.
While appearing on NewsNation's Banfield on June 26, Whitney's attorney, Arianna Cozart, shared that the mom wants her ex found 'dead or alive'.
"That’s a huge, a huge thing that she wants," said Cozart. "It’s very, very important to her so that she can have peace."
The attorney added: "I don’t think she’s able to think that far ahead, because either way, it’s hard, right?
"I think that she knows that if he is found alive, he’ll never be able to answer the questions that she might have to a point where it would give her peace.
"I think that her main focus is just that he’s found one way or the other."
Cozart also told Banfield: "She’s just trying to cherish the memories of her babies and do what she can to advocate for change."
She said Whitney wants to alter the way Amber Alerts are issued to prevent future tragedies and also wants to preserve services for veterans, like Decker, who struggle with their mental health.
Whitney gave a speech about her daughters on June 20, as many gathered to mourn their passing at a service held in Wenatchee, Washington.
The crowd wore purple, pink, and green, which were said to be the girls’ favorite colors.
"You all look beautiful, and I know [Evelyn] would have loved to ooh and ahh over all of your outfits," said the mother.
"After my divorce, there were a lot of feelings flowing through my house, as you can imagine - me going through a divorce with three small, tiny women," Whitney added.
She then broke down in tears as she said: "I'm so thankful for the time I had with the girls and how the three feelings allowed us to connect when the world slowed down.
"It really gave me an inside look into their day. I believe doing this with them allowed them to come into the world with open hearts and kindness."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Britt Jones