Amber Alert Failure A Mother's Heartbreaking Plea for Change

Wenatchee Tragedy Spurs Calls for Amber Alert Reform

The heartbreaking discovery of the bodies of three young girls in Wenatchee, Washington, has ignited a passionate call for reform to the state’s AMBER Alert system. Whitney Decker, the mother of the deceased children, believes a timely alert could have made a critical difference in the tragic outcome.

A Mother's Plea for Change

Arianna Cozart, Whitney Decker's lawyer, stated that her client firmly believes an AMBER Alert issued in the crucial hours and days following the girls' disappearance would have significantly altered the events. Travis Decker, the girls' father, failed to return them after a visitation on Friday night, triggering alarm bells. While Wenatchee police recognized the severity of the situation— noting Travis Decker's deteriorating mental state, his unresponsiveness, and the absence of the children— they were unable to persuade the Washington State Patrol to issue an AMBER Alert.

Instead, an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory was issued. However, unlike an AMBER Alert, this advisory lacks the immediate broadcast via text alerts to all cell phones in the affected area. Cozart argues that these alerts could have mobilized the community to search for the girls and Decker’s white GMC pick-up truck.

Why the AMBER Alert Wasn't Issued

Washington State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis explained that the case didn't meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert, citing Travis Decker’s legal visitation rights, which meant the situation wasn't immediately classified as an abduction. Furthermore, there was no documented history of violence against his daughters. This highlights the complex considerations involved in issuing these critical alerts.

Beyond the Alert: Systemic Failures?

Whitney Decker’s concerns extend beyond the AMBER Alert system. She is deeply troubled by the lack of support Travis Decker received after leaving active duty in the U.S. Army Rangers. Cozart described his struggles, stating, “The real problems started after he got out. He came out of the military broken.” Despite actively seeking veteran’s resources, he reportedly received no assistance, even after contacting a national veterans’ helpline.

Court documents from a September hearing reveal a concerning pattern. Cozart informed the judge of a "substantial change in circumstances as to the Father’s ability to parent children safely," referencing an incident where the children slept at the armory alongside numerous other men. Furthermore, one of the girls suffered an injury from a falling weight in the armory's gym.

Important Considerations

It's crucial to note that Whitney Decker doesn’t fault the courts for the parenting plan that granted Travis access to his daughters. Cozart emphasized that, "By all outside perspectives, he was a good father," and Whitney did not perceive him as a danger. This underscores the complexity of family law cases and the difficulty in predicting such tragic outcomes.

Looking Ahead

This devastating tragedy highlights the need for a thorough review of the AMBER Alert system and a deeper examination of support systems for veterans transitioning back into civilian life. It compels us to consider the multifaceted factors that contribute to such events and to explore ways to improve our response mechanisms for missing children and those at risk. The calls for reform, driven by a mother’s grief and a lawyer’s commitment to justice, deserve our attention and action. Let this tragedy serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.

Tags: Amber Alert Reform, Child Custody Case, Missing Children, Wenatchee Tragedy, Travis Decker, Whitney Decker, Washington State, Family Law, Police Reform, AMBER Alert Failure, Veteran Support, Mental Health, Family Court

Source: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/mother-deceased-wenatchee-girls-amber-alert-reforms-military-mental-health/281-7b3a1e43-70ed-4897-a9a4-73923a881a50