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Authorities in Washington state believe they have located the body of Travis Decker, the man accused of killing his three young daughters, after discovering human remains in a secluded forested area near Leavenworth.
This breakthrough comes after an extensive search lasting several months, initiated by the heartbreaking deaths of Decker’s daughters earlier this year.
Human Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker Found in Wooded Area
Officials have reported finding human remains suspected to be Decker’s in a remote woodland area south of Leavenworth. While formal identification is pending, early evidence strongly indicates the remains belong to him.
DNA testing is currently being conducted to confirm the identity, with results anticipated soon. The location of the discovery, less than a mile from where his daughters’ bodies were found in early June, represents a pivotal moment in the case.
Travis Decker faced charges of suffocating his daughters—Olivia, aged 5; Evelyn, aged 8; and Paityn, aged 9—at an abandoned campsite in the Cascade Mountains, close to Rock Island Campground.
— Matt Thibodeau (@MattThibodeau) September 19, 2025
Background on Travis Decker and His Daughters’ Tragic Deaths
Decker was accused of murdering his daughters Olivia (5), Evelyn (8), and Paityn (9) by suffocation at an abandoned campsite in the Cascade Mountains near Rock Island Campground.
Their bodies were found with plastic bags over their heads, and nearby zip ties were noted as part of the chilling crime scene. The girls were reported missing after Decker failed to return them to their mother following a custody visit. Police found Decker’s abandoned truck near the campground with a bloody fingerprint, raising suspicions immediately.
Extensive Search and Manhunt for Travis Decker
Following the discovery of the girls’ bodies, law enforcement launched a massive search for Decker that lasted over three months. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local police, participated.
Helicopter surveillance, K9 units, drones, and grid searches were employed in the rugged terrain of the Leavenworth area. Reports indicated Decker, a military veteran and National Guardsman with outdoor survival skills, was spotted but continually evaded capture, sometimes fleeing from search teams.
Bone Discoveries During the Search
During search operations, FBI teams discovered bones in the forest area, but initial analyses left uncertainty as to whether the bones were human or animal. These finds added complexity to the investigation but were carefully analyzed by forensic experts at the Washington state crime lab. This ongoing forensic examination was critical to piecing together the final clues in the case.
Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement in Locating Decker
The search terrain was rugged and heavily wooded, requiring law enforcement to use helicopters and aerial insertions for access. The use of cadaver dogs and drones helped in navigating the difficult environment. Despite Decker’s survival skills and attempts to evade capture, the intensity of the multi-agency search effort led to the eventual discovery of remains believed to be his.