Fugitive dad Travis Decker confirmed dead as DNA matches remains found in Washington state: officials
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Authorities have confirmed the human remains found in the Washington wilderness belong to the military veteran believed to have killed his three young daughters at a local campground earlier this year.

The discovery marks the end of a three-month-long manhunt for Travis Decker, a military veteran and wilderness survivalist who vanished after authorities discovered the bodies of his three daughters – Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5 – at a Chelan County campground on June 2.

“Certainly pay respects to the deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia, we wanted to show honor to them, let them know we haven’t forgot about them,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said in a news conference Wednesday, according to FOX 13.

Helicopter joins in search for Travis Decker in an undisclosed location. Photo of helicopter, blue water and white snow.

The U.S. Marshals Service released photos detailing the challenging and extensive search for Travis Decker, accused of killing his three daughters. (U.S. Marshals Service)

Decker was an Army infantryman from March 2013 to July 2021, according to FOX 13. He had been deployed to Afghanistan for four months in 2014, and possessed extensive training in wilderness navigation. He was facing state charges of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, along with a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. 

This week, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss Decker’s federal case after the U.S. Marshals Service declared he had been found dead. However, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office did not confirm Decker’s death until the DNA test results were returned. 

“To Whitney, we apologize it’s taken this long to get the closure we were looking for in this case,” Morrison said. “But I hope you can rest easier at night knowing Travis is accounted for. He is deceased, our DNA results confirmed that and this will bring a close to our case.” 

Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former TV anchor accused of stabbing 80-year-old mother to death, telling police she did it to 'save herself'

Ex-TV Anchor’s Murder Case Stalled: Court Finds Her Mentally Unfit to Stand Trial

The legal proceedings against a former TV news anchor, accused of murdering…
Three illegal migrants charged with attempted murder of ICE agents

Three Undocumented Immigrants Face Charges for Alleged Attempted Murder of ICE Agents

In a recent incident in Minneapolis, three individuals without legal immigration status…
Teen underage driver charged with manslaughter in September NYC crash that killed motorcyclist, 30: cops

Underage Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges in Fatal September NYC Motorcycle Crash: Police

This week, authorities have arrested and charged a teenage driver with manslaughter…
Sharon Stone slams 'kids' who said stole a seat at awards show

Sharon Stone Calls Out Seat Stealing Incident at Awards Show

In a fiery address that has taken social media by storm, Sharon…
Sophie Turner stuns fans with ripped Lara Croft transformation in 'Tomb Raider' first look photo

Sophie Turner’s Jaw-Dropping Lara Croft Makeover Revealed in First ‘Tomb Raider’ Photo

Sophie Turner has clearly been putting in the effort at the gym,…
Man arrested after pocketing donations for world's most inbred family

Police Detain Man for Allegedly Misusing Donations Intended for Notoriously Inbred Family

A West Virginia-based YouTuber is facing accusations of exploiting a group known…
How Kyle Tucker's $240 million contract is stoking lockout fears

Kyle Tucker’s $240 Million Deal Sparks Discussions on Potential Lockout Concerns

The recent buzz isn’t just about the “cha-ching” echoing from Kyle Tucker’s…
Singer-songwriter Todd Snider dies at 59

Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Tragically Struck and Killed in New York

Tragedy struck in New York City on Friday morning when former Nickelodeon…