Are the remains discovered in Washington those of Travis Decker? What to know

Months of searching through rugged wilderness may have come to a tragic conclusion. Authorities in Washington state say they have likely discovered the remains of Travis Caleb Decker, the Army veteran accused of killing his three young daughters before vanishing into the Cascade Mountains.

Human Remains Found Near Site of Triple Homicide

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced that human remains were discovered in dense woods south of Leavenworth, just miles from the campsite where Decker’s daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead earlier this summer.

Sheriff Mike Morrison said the clothing and personal items near the remains matched what Decker was last seen wearing. The discovery was made with the help of drones, cadaver dogs, and multi agency teams that had been scouring the treacherous terrain since June.

The Custody Visit That Turned Into a Manhunt

Decker had been on the run since May 30, when he failed to return his daughters after a court-approved visitation. Three days later, the girls were found suffocated at an abandoned campsite near Rock Island Campground, with zip ties and plastic bags nearby.

His truck was recovered not far from the scene, along with his dog and a bloody fingerprint on the tailgate. DNA evidence later tied Decker directly to the crime.

A Survivalist With a Head Start

Authorities feared capturing Decker would be difficult because of his Army background and survival skills. He had a three-day head start, and search efforts stretched from Washington into other states after false sightings were reported.

Despite his training, investigators said Decker left key equipment behind, suggesting he may not have been as prepared as initially thought. His likely remains were eventually found on Grindstone Mountain, only a few miles from where the tragedy began.

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Next Steps: Confirming Identity

Officials stressed that positive identification has not yet been confirmed. DNA analysis will determine whether the remains belong to Decker. The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI remain involved in the investigation.

The sheriff’s office has notified the Decker family of the discovery, but no public comment has been released from relatives.

A Case That Shocked Washington

The killings of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia sent shockwaves across Washington and the nation. The case drew widespread attention not only because of the horrific nature of the crime but also because of Decker’s ability to elude authorities for months.

The discovery of the remains may bring closure to a manhunt that consumed local, state, and federal law enforcement all summer.

FAQ: Travis Decker Case

Who was Travis Decker?

Travis Caleb Decker was a Washington state father and Army veteran accused of killing his three daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, during a custody visit in May 2025.

How were Travis Decker’s daughters killed?

The girls were found at an abandoned campsite near Rock Island Campground with plastic bags over their heads. Autopsies confirmed they died of suffocation.

Where were Travis Decker’s remains found?

Authorities discovered suspected human remains on Grindstone Mountain, south of Leavenworth, Washington, only a few miles from where the girls’ bodies were located.

Has Travis Decker’s identity been confirmed?

Not yet. Officials say DNA testing is underway to confirm whether the remains belong to Decker, though clothing and personal items suggest they do.

Why was Travis Decker so difficult to find?

Decker was an Army veteran with survival training, and he disappeared into rugged wilderness with a three-day head start, complicating the manhunt for months.

What happens next in the investigation?

Authorities are waiting on DNA results to confirm identity. The sheriff’s office and federal agencies will then close out the manhunt and continue reviewing evidence in the case.