In the hearing audio, Decker expressed deep frustration with the parenting plan that had sharply limited his visitation rights. His ex-wife, Whitney, and her attorney had previously petitioned for reduced contact due to concerns over Decker’s mental health, alleged unsafe behavior, and erratic communication.
“I already only get a day and a half, two days, with my daughters,” Decker told the judge. “If I have the opportunity to be there for my daughters, I feel like I should be able to be there for them and not have to find my way to be around my daughters.”
Court records reveal that the girls had once called their mother crying during an overnight visit with Decker at the Wenatchee armory — an incident cited among several as justification for curtailing overnight custody.
Despite the judge’s ruling granting Whitney nearly full custody, Decker continued to protest:
“And then nothing can change that? My signature doesn’t matter anyway, right?”
According to affidavits, Whitney became alarmed when Decker failed to return the girls by 8 p.m. on May 30 — something he had never done before. Repeated calls went unanswered.
Decker, who was believed to be homeless and living between campgrounds and motels, had a documented history of mental health challenges, including borderline personality disorder. Authorities say he was likely living out of his pickup truck.
He now faces three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping in what officials are calling one of the most harrowing crimes in recent memory.
The investigation remains ongoing.