CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. – Travis Decker, the man wanted in the kidnappings and murders of his three daughters, has been found dead.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a press release Thursday that human remains were found in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, believed to be the body of Travis Decker. The remains were located less than a mile from the original crime scene.
While the body has not yet been positively identified, authorities say clothing and other personal items found in the area suggest the remains belong to Decker. The scene is currently being processed, with DNA analysis to follow.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said the discovery of the remains was a result of another routine grid-by-grid search this week. The sheriff added that the body showed signs of severe decomposition, but expects DNA results from the coroner’s office as soon as Friday.
The search included multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, FBI, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
The backstory:
Decker is accused of killing his three daughters, 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn and 9-year-old Paityn, during a planned visitation on May 30, 2025.
The three girls were located on June 3, days after being reported missing. Their bodies were found at the Rock Island Campground, located west of Leavenworth, Washington.
Decker’s vehicle was nearby with two bloody handprints, and had personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console. The camp showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and cooler located a short distance away.
The search for Travis Decker
Big picture view:
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. National Guard, worked together in the search for Decker. The search began near Leavenworth, Washington, and expanded across remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish and Okanogan counties.
Authorities across Washington pursued multiple leads during the search, however none resulted in the location of Decker. The most notable lead came during a multi-day search near the Rock Island Campground headed by the FBI, where crews found bones during the operation. However, they turned out to be animal remains.
Authorities announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest. Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
What’s next:
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as more information becomes available through forensic examination and investigation.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and original reporting and previous coverage from FOX 13 Seattle.
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