Authorities in Washington have announced the discovery of human remains believed to belong to Travis Decker, the 32-year-old father accused of murdering his three daughters in one of the state’s most harrowing cases of recent years.

Remains Discovered in Remote Wilderness

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the remains were located in a rugged, heavily forested area south of Leavenworth during an ongoing search operation. The body was recovered months after Decker vanished in early June, triggering an extensive manhunt that stretched across state lines and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.

Investigators have not yet confirmed the identity, but preliminary findings point strongly to Decker. DNA testing and forensic analysis are now underway, a process that officials say could take several weeks.

The Murders of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia

Decker had been the subject of an intense nationwide search since June 2, when his three daughters — Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5 — were discovered dead near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, east of Seattle. The children had been reported missing days earlier after a scheduled visitation with their father.

Court documents revealed the girls had been zip-tied, with plastic bags placed over their heads, and investigators determined they died of asphyxiation. Two bloody handprints found on Decker’s abandoned truck linked him to the crime.

A Veteran and Outdoorsman on the Run

Decker, a U.S. Army veteran and National Guardsman, was described as an experienced outdoorsman familiar with the Cascade wilderness. That knowledge made the search particularly challenging. Despite numerous reported sightings — including one by hikers who described a man fleeing at the sight of people on the trail — Decker managed to evade capture.

Dogs later traced his scent to a trailhead, but search teams were unable to locate him. By late summer, officials acknowledged the possibility that he had died in the wilderness, though the manhunt continued.

The Family’s Anguish

The girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, had divorced Travis after seven years of marriage. A parenting plan filed in September 2024 required him to undergo counseling for mental health and domestic violence, but court records show he refused to comply.

When Decker failed to return the children after visitation, Whitney contacted police, setting in motion the chain of events that led to the grim discovery at Rock Island Campground.

In the aftermath, Whitney criticized the state’s Amber Alert system, questioning why one was not issued when her daughters were first reported missing. She later addressed thousands at a public vigil, saying:

“They were incredible. I truly hope that the legacy of the girls’ lives lives in everyone’s heart.”

A Case That Raised Difficult Questions

Beyond the devastating loss of three young lives, the case has spotlighted broader issues in family law and veteran mental health support. Decker’s attorney had previously noted his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and instability in his life. Advocates argue that systemic gaps left him without consistent treatment, compounding risks for both him and his children.

Authorities also faced scrutiny over visitation policies, particularly given court orders restricting Decker’s parenting rights. The tragedy has renewed calls for reforms to ensure the safety of children in custody arrangements when warning signs of instability or violence emerge.

Awaiting Final Confirmation

Forensic teams will now work to confirm whether the remains are indeed Decker’s. If identified, the discovery would bring an end to the months-long search but leave behind enduring grief and unanswered questions.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said it remains in contact with the Decker family and is “providing them with support and updates as the investigation proceeds.”

For Whitney Decker, who has spent the summer navigating unimaginable loss, the priority remains ensuring her daughters are remembered not for how their lives ended, but for the joy and love they brought in their short years.