Military-trained dad accused of killing daughters nears 3 weeks living in wilderness amid manhunt
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Federal authorities say Travis Decker is dead as they drop their case against the fugitive dad suspected of killing his three daughters, but local officials in Washington state are still waiting for confirmation following an announcement last week that his body was possibly found.

The U.S. Marshals Service told the District Court of the Eastern District of Washington that Decker is dead, and prosecutors moved to dismiss his federal case on Wednesday, court records show. Decker was facing a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Decker still faces state charges of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, though, after police said he killed his three daughters, whose bodies were found on June 2. A manhunt ensued as he disappeared into the Washington wilderness.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release on Friday that human remains were found in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington.

Travis Decker and his three daughters

Travis Decker is accused of killing his three daughters before disappearing into the Washington wilderness.  (Wenatchee Police Department via AP; Whitney Decker via AP)

However, the sheriff’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that it “is not in a position to make a positive identification or confirmation of Mr. Decker’s status. We are currently awaiting DNA test results from the state Crime Lab, which are expected to be returned within the next few days.”

“Once the DNA results are confirmed, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference to share findings and address any questions from the media and public.”

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told KIRO that the U.S. Marshals “jumped the gun” requesting the dismissal of charges against Decker. Clothing found near the remains were similar to what Decker had on when he disappeared, Morrison told the outlet.

Travis Decker

Travis Decker was believed to be living out of his pickup truck.  (Wenatchee Police Department)

Morrison told ABC News on Wednesday that charges against Decker won’t be dropped until they receive DNA confirmation.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Washington.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Florida triple murder of 3 tourists was 'senseless,' 'random,' sheriff says

Florida Sheriff Condemns ‘Senseless’ and ‘Random’ Triple Murder of Tourists in Shocking Crime

A man from Florida faces charges of shooting and killing three tourists…
'Creative visionary': Roger Allers, 'The Lion King' co-director, dies at 76

Farewell to a Legend: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of ‘The Lion King’ Co-Director Roger Allers

Roger Allers, a towering figure in the world of animation and a…
MARK HALPERIN reveals full scope of Trump's global 'disruption' plan

Mark Halperin Unveils Trump’s Ambitious Global Disruption Strategy: An In-Depth Look

President Trump’s latest tariff threats aimed at Europe highlight two critical questions…
WH urges Nobel Foundation to stop trolling Trump and recognize record

White House Calls on Nobel Foundation to Acknowledge Trump’s Achievements

The White House has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nobel Foundation, which has…
Faithful & Firm lions to briefly come down during seawall reconstruction

Rebuilding Seawalls: Temporary Relocation of the Iconic Faithful & Firm Lions

Local artists in St. Augustine are set to rejuvenate the iconic Bridge…
Pennsylvania boy, 11, accused of shooting father dead after Nintendo Switch taken away

11-Year-Old Pennsylvania Boy Charged in Father’s Fatal Shooting Following Dispute Over Nintendo Switch

In a tragic incident in Pennsylvania, an 11-year-old boy is accused of…
Venezuela’s acting leader was once a DEA 'priority target': report

Report Reveals Venezuela’s Interim Leader Previously Labeled as DEA ‘Priority Target

Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, has been identified in intelligence files from…
‘Long Island Lolita’ survivor Mary Jo Buttafuoco says bullet in her head ‘will get me eventually’

Mary Jo Buttafuoco Speaks Out: The Lingering Impact of the ‘Long Island Lolita’ Incident

The life of Mary Jo Buttafuoco changed dramatically when she was shot…