LEAVENWORTH, WA – Authorities in Chelan County have discovered human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker, the man accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters earlier this summer. The remains were found in a remote, wooded area south of Leavenworth, according to the sheriff’s office.
While official identification is pending, initial assessments suggest the remains belong to Decker. The search, led by Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, involved multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI.
“We promised to continue our search until we found Travis Decker,” Morrison stated. The discovery was part of an expanded search effort, located approximately 0.74 miles from the original crime scene at the Rock Island campground where the bodies of Payton, Evelyn, and Olivia were found.
The remains showed severe decomposition, consistent with animal activity in the area. This particular location had not been previously searched, marking it as an extension of earlier efforts. The sheriff emphasized the importance of thoroughness in their investigation.
Authorities are confident about the identity of the remains due to personal items found at the scene, although DNA confirmation is expected soon. “We feel there’s a high probability it’s him,” Morrison said, adding that results should be available by tomorrow.
The motive behind Decker’s alleged actions remains unclear. Morrison described the incident as a “heinous act” and noted the ongoing support for the victims’ family, emphasizing the community’s determination to seek justice.
With the remains found, local roads are temporarily closed as the investigation continues. Federal partners are assisting with the processing of the site to ensure all procedures are followed correctly.
The community of Wenatchee and Chelan County is seeking closure from this tragic event. Morrison expressed hope that the forthcoming DNA results will bring some resolution to the case, allowing justice to prevail.