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Newly released audio from a family court session reveals Travis Decker imploring a judge for more visitation time with his three daughters, whom he is accused of murdering.
The remains of Decker’s three daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered in a forested area approximately 30 miles from Rock Island Campground in Washington, as reported by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. Following local authorities’ request for help, federal agents joined the search on June 8. Decker, a former Army soldier, is described as having “extensive” military training.
“We had reached a stage where it was necessary to give our local resources a break,” the statement noted. “Nevertheless, CCSO leadership maintains an active role in coordinating the search and continues to head the criminal investigation.”
According to Fox 13, Decker’s visitation time with the three girls had been reduced in recent years. Whitney, Decker’s ex-wife, and her lawyer cited alleged endangerment of the three children, declining mental health and lack of communication in their request to decrease Travis’ visitation time.
Travis Decker (Courtesy of Chelan County Sheriff’s Office)
After the judge signed off on the parenting plan that reduced the time Decker would spend with his daughters, he continued to ask for a different outcome.
“And then nothing can change that? Nothing, my signature doesn’t matter anyway, right? So if I don’t sign it, then …” Decker said.
When Decker didn’t drop the girls off by the 8 p.m. curfew on May 30, Whitney tried calling him, but he didn’t pick up, according to an affidavit. According to the court document, Decker had never missed a curfew to return the children.
The court documents indicated Decker had mental health issues and borderline personality disorder, adding he is homeless and lives in campgrounds and motels.
Travis Decker was believed to be living out of his pickup truck. (Wenatchee Police Department)
Decker was charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Fox News Digital’s Julia Bonavita and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
