Authorities in Washington state are defending their decision not to issue an AMBER Alert for three young sisters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5—who were tragically found dead days after being reported missing.
Sisters Found Near Father’s Truck
The girls’ bodies were discovered near their father’s 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, about 120 miles east of Seattle. Travis Decker, 32, is facing charges of first-degree kidnapping and first-degree murder but remains at large.
Why No AMBER Alert Was Issued
Despite requests from Wenatchee police to activate the child abduction alert system, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) chose not to issue an AMBER Alert. Instead, they sent out an Endangered Missing Person Alert (EMPA). Chris Loftis, WSP Director of Public Affairs, explained that according to Department of Justice guidelines, a case must meet five criteria for an AMBER Alert: confirmed abduction, imminent danger, victim under 17, detailed descriptive information, and entry into the National Crime Information Center system.
Key Differences Between EMPA and AMBER Alert
“The difference between EMPA and AMBER, the AMBER has that push notification that we all get on our phones,” Loftis told KOMO News. “The EMPA does not have that.”
Mother’s Report and Community Response
The girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing late Friday after they failed to return from a scheduled custody visit. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support her has already raised over $405,000.
Police Search Efforts
Investigators revealed Travis Decker was homeless, living out of his truck, and staying at different hotels and campgrounds. During the search, officers found two bloody handprints on the vehicle, along with car seats and a wallet.
Court documents indicated Decker’s cell phone placed him at Rock Island Campground a day before the girls disappearance.
For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.