9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker
Authorities in Washington state say they believe they have found the remains of Travis Decker, the father wanted in connection with the murder of his three young daughters. The discovery may bring an end to a widespread search that has troubled the community for months.
Travis Decker, 32, had been missing since early June. His three daughters—Paityn, age 9; Evelyn, age 8; and Olivia, age 5—were found dead near his abandoned truck at a remote campground. Their bodies were discovered during what should have been a visit with their father, who never returned them to their mother. The cause of death was ruled homicide by suffocation.
This week, human remains were located in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington. Investigators say preliminary findings suggest the remains are likely those of Decker. DNA testing is underway to make a final confirmation. Clothing items found near the remains appear to match what Decker was wearing when he was last seen.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, working with the Washington State Patrol crime scene response team. They have contacted Decker’s family to share updates and offer support. Authorities are processing the site carefully, gathering evidence and conducting forensic analysis.
Earlier in the case, evidence linked Decker to the crime scene. His truck was found with bloody handprints, and DNA evidence from plastic bags and zip ties seized at the site matched his profile. Mental health concerns had been raised by Decker’s ex-wife in legal filings. She said his emotional stability had declined and asked the court for visitation restrictions before the visit that ended in tragedy.
Decker is a former soldier, trained in survival and used to rugged conditions. Because of that, authorities treated him as dangerous and feared he might use his wilderness knowledge to evade capture. The search had involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service. A reward was offered for information leading to his capture.
Though the remains are believed to be his, officials emphasize that confirmation is not complete. They say it may take time for DNA testing and further forensic work to establish full confirmation of identity. Until then, the case remains open.
The community had been deeply affected by this case. The deaths of the three young sisters sparked strong emotion locally and beyond. Many people have expressed grief, frustration, and questions about how things might have been different, especially concerns raised earlier about mental health and visitation oversight.
If the remains are confirmed to be Travis Decker’s, it may bring closure to investigators and the girls’ family. Still, there are many unanswered questions about how Decker managed to disappear for so long, and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.
