Authorities in Washington state say they have located human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker, the fugitive accused of killing his three young daughters earlier this year before vanishing into the wilderness.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday evening that while confirmation is still pending, preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Decker. They were discovered in a remote, wooded area south of Leavenworth.
The scene is still under investigation, and DNA analysis will be conducted to confirm the identity, officials said.
Background on the Case
Decker, 32, a former Army soldier with advanced survival skills, was accused in May of killing his daughters:
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Paityn Decker, 9
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Evelyn Decker, 8
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Olivia Decker, 5
The search began on May 30 after the girls’ mother reported he failed to return them to her Wenatchee home following a scheduled visit.
Three days later, authorities found their bodies at a Cascade Mountains campsite, down an embankment. Investigators said their wrists had been zip-tied, and autopsies confirmed they died from suffocation. DNA evidence linked Decker as the sole suspect.
Discovery of Remains
The remains found Thursday were located on Grindstone Mountain, only a few miles from where the girls’ bodies were discovered, according to KIRO-TV.
Sheriff Mike Morrison told the station that clothing and other personal items recovered near the remains were consistent with what Decker was last seen wearing. He did not disclose specifics.
The latest search involved drones and cadaver dogs, KIRO reported.
Nationwide Search Efforts
Since June, investigators had released photos showing possible changes in Decker’s appearance and announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture.
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