CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — The months-long search for Travis Decker, the man accused of killing his three young daughters, may be nearing an end after law enforcement discovered a body they believe belongs to the suspect.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office found the remains in a heavily wooded area near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, less than a mile from where 9-year-old Paityn, 7-year-old Evelyn, and 6-year-old Olivia Decker’s bodies were discovered on June 2.
Sheriff Mike Morrison said the remains were severely decomposed and scattered, likely by animals. The discovery came after a drone spotted a shirt that matched the color of clothing Decker was wearing during the incident.
“We did have drones up in the air that detected anomaly. When we zoomed in closer on the drone anomaly we did detect that this shirt seems to match in color with what we had seen our suspect, Travis Decker, wearing at the time of the incident. So we did put units on the ground,” Morrison said.
Deputies found the shirt, a pair of shorts believed to be associated with Decker, and the human remains in the Grindstone Mountain area — a location that had never been searched before.
“There is the potential of some of the remains were spread, which is consistent with what we’ve seen before with individuals have been found on the back country. That’s what animals do,” Morrison explained.
The discovery required collaboration between multiple agencies across the state and country. Morrison believes the drone that spotted the crucial evidence belonged to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
“Always great partners. Our aviation programs work closely with each other,” Morrison said.
The case began on May 30 when Decker failed to return his three daughters home after a scheduled visit. The girls’ bodies were found several days later at the Rock Island Campground, launching an extensive manhunt that has lasted months.
Morrison emphasized the importance of bringing closure to the case and honoring the young victims.
“I want to honor Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. and I want to make sure that their killer is brought to justice. Justice is served. And, of course, above all, law prevails,” he said.
The remains have been sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab for DNA analysis. Morrison said the case has been expedited, and he hopes to receive confirmation of the identity soon.
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