Bones discovered during latest manhunt for Travis Decker, who is wanted in daughters' murders
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Authorities have uncovered bones in the latest manhunt for fugitive dad Travis Decker, the prime suspect wanted in the murders of his three young daughters. 

The two-day sweep of campgrounds near Leavenworth, Washington – which involved more than 100 FBI agents alongside local law enforcement – concluded Tuesday and yielded the first major development in a nationwide hunt that has gripped the public since early summer, Fox 13 Seattle reported. Decker, an Army veteran with extensive survival training, has managed to elude capture for three months.

Investigators have been searching for Decker since June 2, when he failed to return his daughters –  Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 – to their mother after a scheduled visitation. The children’s bodies were later found near Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek with bags over their heads. Autopsies determined that the children died from suffocation and ruled the manner of death a homicide. 

While initial assessments could not confirm whether the bones were human, the items were sent for forensic testing to Central Washington University’s anthropology department to determine if they may be linked to the search for Decker, Fox 13 reported. 

Travis Decker pictured with a clean shave and shirtless, showing tattoos on both arms and his left side

Travis Decker is accused of killing his three young daughters and leaving their bodies at the bottom of a hill at a Washington state campsite. (Courtesy of Chelan County Sheriff’s Office)

So far, authorities have searched 247 acres in three major sweeps, Fox 13 reported.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told that station that additional campground and trail closures are likely as investigators continue to expand their search efforts. 

entrance to Rock Island Campground

The entrance to Rock Island Campground where multiple law enforcement agencies are participating in the search for Travis Decker on Monday and Tuesday. (FBI via AP)

Another large-scale search, coordinated with federal partners, is planned for September, the outlet added, citing the sheriff.

The FBI and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania residents say windshield barnacles are predatory, question legality

Philadelphia Residents Challenge Legality of Windshield Barnacles, Labeling Them as Predatory

In Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, a contentious parking enforcement strategy has ignited…
Maya Lupian: 8-year-old victim killed in Stockton, California mass shooting identified; was 2 weeks away from 9th birthday

Tragic Loss: 8-Year-Old Maya Lupian Identified as Victim in Stockton Mass Shooting, Days Before 9th Birthday

In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Stockton, California, an 8-year-old girl…
Josh Shapiro rips Kamala Harris for 'blatant lies' about him in her memoir

Josh Shapiro Calls Out Kamala Harris for Alleged Falsehoods in Her Memoir: A Political Feud Unfolds

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a fierce critique of former Vice…
FILE — Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a news conference to announce charges against Ghislaine Maxwell for her alleged role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein, July 2, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Jeffrey Epstein Accuser Pushes for Unsealing of Court Records in Legal Battle

In a significant legal move, one of the most outspoken accusers of…
Hillary Clinton blames social media for radicalizing young Americans against Israel

Hillary Clinton Attributes Youth Radicalization Against Israel to Social Media Influence

Hillary Clinton has attributed the rise in anti-Israel sentiment among young Americans…
National Guard shooting suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar,' was struck by return fire and subdued by witness: feds

National Guard Shooting Suspect Subdued After Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and Being Hit by Return Fire, Authorities Report

An Afghan national, accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington,…
Meghan wears $460,000 festive sparklers for Netflix Christmas special

Meghan Dazzles in $460,000 Jewelry for Netflix Christmas Special

Meghan Markle is embracing the festive season with a touch of opulence,…
Doctor who sold ketamine to Matthew Perry sentenced

Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Supplying Ketamine to Actor Matthew Perry

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A physician who admitted to illegally distributing ketamine…