WENATCHEE, Wash. — In the tragic aftermath of the deaths of three young sisters, Central Washington attorneys and community members are taking steps to reassess the existing laws governing AMBER Alerts. The initiative follows the grim discovery of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker near Rock Island Campground on Monday, after they went missing during a scheduled visit with their father.
The girls were reported missing late Friday by their mother, yet an AMBER Alert was not activated. Instead, authorities issued a Missing Persons Alert. Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is currently being sought for murder and kidnapping.
The Decker family’s attorney announced that a newly convened task force will delve into the intricacies of AMBER Alert legislation, alongside examining mental health services for veterans in the region. Travis Decker is a former military service member, and court documents indicate that there had been previous concerns regarding his behavior prior to this incident.
Budgetary constraints pose challenges for veteran services, both statewide and federally. Rural areas of Central Washington experience a notable gap in resources compared to more populated regions, despite having a substantial veteran population. For context, Central Washington’s annual budget for veteran services is approximately $260,000, serving around 24,500 veterans, while Yakima, with a smaller veteran community of about 10,500, has an annual budget exceeding $900,000.
The task force plans to launch a website and social media platforms in the coming days to raise awareness and offer ways for the public to engage. Interested individuals can reach out via email at help@actionfordeckergirls.org for further involvement. Meanwhile, Travis Decker remains at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Chelan County tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit tips online.
In support of the girls’ mother, Whitney, a GoFundMe campaign has garnered tremendous community backing, raising over $1.1 million as of Friday afternoon.
The response from the Wenatchee community has been overwhelmingly supportive, demonstrating collective grief and solidarity. The tragic situation continues to resonate deeply, prompting calls for reflection and change not only in AMBER Alert protocols but also in how the mental health needs of veterans are addressed across the region.
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