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
Selena Gomez steps out after first Christmas with Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez Enjoys Outing Following Her First Christmas Celebration with Benny Blanco

After enjoying her first Christmas with husband Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez indulged…
Jimmy Kimmel says 'tyranny is booming' in US in 'alternative' Christmas message to UK

Jimmy Kimmel Critiques Rising ‘Tyranny’ in the US in Alternative Christmas Message to UK Audience

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel delivered a unique “Alternative Christmas Message” on Thursday aimed…
Christmas target practice turns deadly as stray bullet kills Oklahoma woman sitting on porch

Tragic Holiday Mishap: Oklahoma Woman Fatally Struck by Stray Bullet During Christmas Target Practice

An Oklahoma resident is now facing charges of first-degree manslaughter after a…
Joe Rogan slams Trump's Biden plaque at White House: 'This is so crazy'

Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump’s Controversial Biden Plaque at White House: ‘This is So Crazy

In a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” podcast host Joe…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three People Hurt in Shooting After Fight Erupts at Jacksonville Westside Bar, Police Report

A confrontation that began inside a restaurant escalated when the alleged shooter…
Downfall of newlywed who murdered wife as tragic note reveals secret

Tragic Unveiling: Newlywed’s Descent After Wife’s Murder and Discovery of Hidden Note

On the surface, the Kenney family seemed like the epitome of a…
Jake Paul helpless as fiancee leaves Olympic qualifying in tears

Jake Paul’s Fiancee Exits Olympic Qualifiers in Tears, Leaving Him Stunned

Jutta Leerdam, fiancée of Jake Paul, faced a heartbreaking setback at the…
Is 'soft saving' smart — or short-sighted?

Is ‘Soft Saving’ a Wise Financial Strategy or a Potential Pitfall?

(NerdWallet) – Have you ever found yourself setting aside less money for…