Tragic Twist in Triple Murder Mystery: Remains Found in Remote Woods May Belong to Accused Dad Travis Decker
- US authorities discover human remains in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington, during an active search
- Preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Travis Decker, the 32-year-old father accused of murdering his three daughters near a Washington campground
- Decker’s family has been notified and is receiving support and updates as the investigation proceeds, but positive identification has not yet been confirmed
Travis Decker, the ex-military father accused of killing his three young daughters, may have finally been found, with authorities announcing the discovery of human remains in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington. While the identification process is still underway, preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to the 32-year-old, who had been on the run since May.
The breakthrough came during an active search, with the sheriff’s office revealing the devastating news on Thursday evening. The discovery is a heart-wrenching turn in a case that has gripped the nation, with heartbreaking footage of the three sisters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, laughing and playing together just before they were allegedly killed by their father.
The girls’ mother, Whitney, had been desperate for answers since they failed to return home after a scheduled visitation with their father on May 30. A three-day search ultimately led to the discovery of their bodies near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, with preliminary investigations indicating they likely died from asphyxiation.
In a statement, Whitney’s attorney, Arianna Cozart, expressed the family’s gratitude for law enforcement’s efforts and the outpouring of support from around the world. “We are praying that the remains found are confirmed to be Travis’s,” the statement read. “We continue to be grateful for law enforcement’s efforts in this case and are forever appreciative of the entire world’s love, compassion, and support for Whitney.”
Decker, a former US Army Ranger, had a history of mental health issues and had reportedly received little help after leaving active duty. His ex-wife’s lawyer claimed that the father’s access to his children was cut to alternate weekends after a custody hearing several months ago, citing concerns about his mental stability.
As the investigation continues, Whitney is now calling for a change to Washington’s Amber Alert system, which she believes could have made a crucial difference in finding her daughters alive.
With the search for Decker finally coming to an end, the focus will now shift to the loved ones left behind, as they struggle to come to terms with the unbearable loss of three innocent young lives.