WASHINGTON STATE — The Washington State Patrol says the requirements were not met to issue an AMBER Alert over the weekend when three girls from Wenatchee vanished with their father during a custody visit.
On Tuesday, prosecutors charged Travis Decker, 32, with three counts of murder and kidnapping for the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and 5-year-old Olivia.
Police are actively searching for Travis Decker after the girls’ bodies were found in a forest outside Leavenworth Monday afternoon.
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The state patrol says an AMBER Alert was not issued for the girls because the circumstances of the case did not meet the requirements.
“We were having discussions with Wenatchee police from Friday night on – if we weren’t eligible for AMBER, then what could we do?” said Christ Loftis, the director of public affairs for the state patrol.
Loftis said the agency issued an “Endangered Missing Person Alert” (EMPA), which listed the names of the girls and their father, as well as a description of his truck.
“The difference between EMPA and AMBER – the AMBER has that push notification that we all get on our phones, you have to look at it, you have to address it, the EMPA does not have that,” Loftis said.
Timeline of disappearance
Friday, May 30
Mother contacts police to report Travis Decker did not return the girls after a custody visitationPolice use FLOCK camera system and find Dexter’s truck was seen on Horse Lake Road Case is screened for an AMBER Alert, but it does not meet criteria
Saturday, May 31
Washington State Patrol issues ‘Endangered Missing Person Alert’Alert posted on social media soliciting tips about the girls’ location
Monday, June 2
Large scale law enforcement search finds Decker’s truck near the Rock Island Campground Girls are found dead near the truck with plastic bags over their heads
Why wasn’t AMBER Alert activated?
AMBER Alerts must meet five standards issued by the Department of Justice.
There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.
According to the state patrol, there was no indication at the time the girls’ disappeared that Decker intended to hurt the girls or that an abduction had occurred.
“Just because a parent with custodial privileges is late bringing the child back does not mean there has been an abduction,” Loftis said.
Charging documents say the girl’s mother told police her relationship with Travis Decker was cordial after their divorce, and it was unusual for him to not abide by the court’s terms for visitation.
The overall relationship was reported to be good, and the children enjoy their time with Decker,” charging documents state. “(Mother) also reported no issues with recent visitations and stated she and Decker are communicative with issues surrounding them and if either will be late for any reason. She reiterated that Decker has never failed to return the kids.
The mother also said the girls had been on overnight camping trips with him, but there were plans made in advance, according to the charges. The girl’s mother said the girls were not prepared or expecting to go on a camping trip.
While only an EMPA was issued, law enforcement said they also used extensive resources to search the area where Decker’s truck was seen, including a U.S Department of Homeland Security Helicopter.
“We do all we can do and sometimes it’s not enough and it breaks your heart,” Loftis said.
Search for Travis Decker
Investigators say Travis Decker has extensive military training and is considered armed and dangerous. A large-scale law enforcement search is still in effect in the mountains outside Leavenworth.
From the Chelan County Sheriff:
We are requesting the public to remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if they see, or believe they have seen, Mr. Decker. It is unknown if he is armed at this time but should be considered dangerous and the public should not approach Mr. Decker for any reason, but only call 911.
CCSO will release more, necessary information as it becomes available.
