Authorities have confirmed that human remains found in Washington’s wilderness belong to Travis Decker, a military veteran accused of killing his three young daughters at a Chelan County campground on June 2. The discovery ends a three-month manhunt.
Discovery on Grindstone Mountain
Investigators located the remains on Sept. 18 about three-quarters of a mile from where the girls’ bodies were found at Rock Island Campground. DNA testing later confirmed the identity. Sheriff Mike Morrison called it “a big day” for law enforcement and a step toward closure for the community.
Breakthrough in the Search
The find followed a key development when a Spokane County dive team recovered Decker’s key fob from Icicle Creek. That evidence led multiple agencies to conduct grid searches, eventually uncovering a shirt, shorts, bracelet, chewing tobacco, and human remains consistent with Decker.
Background of the Case
Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, had sought to limit his visitation rights, citing worsening mental health and his transient lifestyle. After he failed to return the girls from a custody visit, their bodies were discovered with signs of suffocation and binding.
Military Service and Charges
An Army infantryman from 2013 to 2021, Decker served in Afghanistan and had extensive survival training. He faced state charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, along with a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Closure for the Family
Federal prosecutors have dismissed the case following confirmation of Decker’s death. “To Whitney, we apologize it’s taken this long to get the closure we were looking for,” Sheriff Morrison said, adding that the DNA results finally bring the investigation to a close.
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