Human Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker Found Near Leavenworth

Authorities have discovered human remains in a remote area near Leavenworth, Washington, believed to be those of Travis Decker, who was wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office announced that the remains were found on Grindstone Mountain, off Icicle Road, a few miles from where the bodies of Decker's daughters were located.

The search operation, led by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, included multiple agencies such as the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, and the FBI. Due to the rugged terrain, crews were deployed via a Spokane County helicopter, and drones and cadaver dogs assisted in locating the remains.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison stated that items found near the remains, including clothing, were similar to what Decker was wearing when he left. Crews also discovered personal items, though specifics were not disclosed.

Decker had been wanted on charges of murder and kidnapping following the deaths of his daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—on May 30 during a scheduled custody visit. His truck was found unoccupied near the Rock Island Campground on June 2, with the girls' bodies located nearby.

Authorities had previously warned that Decker, a former Army soldier with survival training, was likely in remote areas, leading to the closure of several areas in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest during the search.

The remains are pending positive identification through DNA analysis. Sheriff Morrison plans to hold a press conference to provide further updates.