Remains Found Near Scene of Suspected Kid-Killer Declared Deceased, But Confirmation Pending

Authorities announced that the remains believed to belong to Travis Decker, a man suspected of killing his three young daughters, had been found. However, officials now state the case was prematurely closed, as they relied on circumstantial evidence and have yet to confirm his identity scientifically.

The declaration of Decker’s death was made following the discovery of bones—two femurs, vertebrae, and two feet—near some of his clothing in a wooded area about a mile from where the girls’ bodies were recovered in June. The girls—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were found with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties on their wrists, days after Decker had taken them for a custody visit.

Travis Decker, 32, has been officially declared dead after a prolonged search for the suspect in the girls’ deaths.

Despite this, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office clarified that they cannot confirm Decker’s death without scientific evidence. The agency stated, “We are not in a position to positively identify or confirm Mr. Decker’s status at this time.” DNA tests have only confirmed the presence of Decker’s clothing at the site, not that the bones are his.

Girls Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker outdoors — The three sisters were found on June 2 with plastic bags over their heads and zip ties around their wrists.

Coroner Wayne Harris noted that the official determination of death depends on scientific evidence, which is still being processed. “Circumstantial evidence alone isn’t enough for us,” he explained. The bones’ connection to Decker remains unverified pending DNA confirmation, delaying any formal identification.

Sign at Rock Island Campground with 'Crime Scene Do Not Cross' — The scattered remains were recovered less than a mile from where the girls were found, at an elevation requiring helicopter retrieval effort.

The remains were discovered less than a mile from the site where Decker’s daughters were slain and near his truck parked at the Rock Island Campground. Decker, who struggled with mental health issues, had just recently lost custody rights, which may have contributed to the tragic events. The investigation continues as officials await definitive scientific confirmation of Decker’s death.