Washington dad Travis Decker pleaded for time with daughters he’s accused of killing: audio

A heartbreaking family court hearing audio has been released, shedding light on the plea from Travis Decker to spend more time with his three daughters. Tragically, Decker stands accused of killing his three young girls, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. The bodies of the girls were found in a wooded area, approximately 30 miles away from Rock Island Campground in Washington.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office took over the search for the girls on June 8, after local officials requested federal assistance. Decker, a former Army soldier with extensive training, was wanted on three counts of murder and kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his daughters.

During a family court hearing in September 2024, Decker expressed his frustration with the custody arrangement that limited his visitation time with his daughters. His ex-wife, Whitney, and her lawyer cited endangerment of the children, Decker’s declining mental health, and lack of communication as reasons to decrease his visitation time.

Despite Decker’s pleas to spend more time with his daughters, the family court judge allowed Whitney to take near-full custody of the girls, alleging neglect and emotional distress. Travis was only permitted to visit the children every other weekend for a set number of hours.

Decker’s mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, were highlighted in court documents, which also indicated that he was homeless and living in campgrounds and motels. His living situation raised concerns about his ability to care for his children.

Tragically, on May 30, Decker failed to return his daughters to their mother by the court-ordered curfew. This was the first time he had missed the curfew, causing alarm for Whitney. Court records revealed that Decker’s children were heard crying over the phone with their mother during an overnight trip with their father, leading to concerns about their safety.

Despite Decker’s assertions that he had always ensured his daughters’ safety during their visits, the court ultimately sided with Whitney’s concerns and limited his visitation time. Decker’s continued pleas for more time with his daughters went unanswered, and he was charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.

The tragic case of Travis Decker and his three daughters serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in family court cases involving custody and visitation rights. The heartbreaking outcome underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children in such legal proceedings.