Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker.
Share and Follow

() Chelan County, Washington, authorities expect to wait another two days before learning whether human remains and clothing initially spotted by a police drone in a remote area belong to Travis Decker, the ex-soldier who allegedly killed his three young daughters before escaping into the wilderness earlier this year.

Sheriff Michael Morrison said Friday that clothing and other belongings recovered with the remains near the town of Leavenworth point to Decker, but it’s not certain until the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab says it is.  

“We’re not going to congratulate each other, pat each other on the back, until we do get that DNA confirmation. But this is a good find,” Morrison told “Banfield” in an interview Friday.

Morrison said bones and clothing were spotted through drone images Thursday before detectives were brought in by helicopter to the wooded, steep terrain where the items were found strewn about, possibly by wild animals. He said investigators also found two intact human feet. They have not recovered a weapon or written note, the sheriff said.

Forensics experts will try to determine how the individual died and how long the individual had been dead, Morrison said.

If it’s Decker and he did not meet with some kind of foul play, the sheriff said, it will mark an end to the case and the region’s biggest manhunt. He said he hopes such a resolution might bring a measure of closure to Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney, who was the mother of the slain children 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia.

“It’s not going to bring her daughters back, no matter what,” Morrison said, “but if she can rest easier at night, I feel like we’ve accomplished at least a portion of our job.”

A variety of authorities had been trying to track down Travis Decker since June 2, when police discovered the asphyxiated bodies of his daughters near a campsite. The 32-year-old former infantryman had picked up his children May 30 for a court-mandated parental visit but did not return them to the Wenatchee home of their mother.

Friends and family have said Decker suffered from mental illness that appeared to worsen in the months leading up to the murders.

Whitney Decker’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, previously said her client hopes that the tragedy brings about changes in the way Amber Alerts are issued and shines light on the mental health struggles of veterans.

“She knows that if he is found alive, he’ll never be able to answer the questions that she might have to a point where it would give her any peace,” Cozart said in June.

Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker.
This undated photo provided by Whitney Decker shows Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Courtesy of Whitney Decker via AP)
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump vows Border Patrol agents will take ‘no nonsense’ as feds march into downtown Chicago

Trump Promises Border Patrol Will Stand Firm Against Nonsense as Federal Agents Head to Chicago’s City Center

Federal agents clad in full tactical gear took to the streets of…
Kansas police officer dies after being shot while responding to domestic violence call

Kansas police officer dies after being shot while responding to domestic violence call

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A police officer was…
Iconic Hollywood actress puts New Mexico ranch up for sale

Famous Hollywood Star Lists New Mexico Ranch for Sale

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A large, scenic stretch of land near Abiquiu is up…
Trump announces 100% tariff on movies made outside US

Trump Introduces Full Tariff on Foreign Films

WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump announced another round of sweeping tariffs Monday,…
Charlie Kirk Shot

Court Hearing Scheduled for Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s Murder

Video above: Bipartisan group of senators condemn Charlie Kirk killing PROVO, Utah…
Singer D4vd's Tesla was reportedly ticketed 11 days before Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was found in Southern California

Ticket Issued to Singer D4vd’s Tesla Days Before Discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Body

LOS ANGELES — In Southern California, new details are emerging in the…
Snoop Dogg returning to NBC's Olympics coverage for 2026

Snoop Dogg Joins NBC’s Olympics Coverage Again for 2026

Snoop won two Sports Emmys as part of NBCUniversal’s Paris Olympics coverage…
What we know about accused Michigan church shooter Thomas Sanford

Insights into the Allegations Against Michigan Church Shooter Thomas Sanford

() The man accused of opening fire on a group of worshippers…