The long, tragic case of Travis Decker — accused of killing his three young daughters — may have entered a new phase. Authorities in Chelan County, Washington, announced this week that human remains believed to be Decker’s have been found in a remote, wooded area south of Leavenworth. While no positive identification has been confirmed, preliminary evidence suggests the remains are consistent with what was known of Decker’s last known whereabouts and clothing. AP News+4KOMO+4ABC News+4

Background of the Case

Decker, age 32, is a former U.S. Army infantryman with survival and wilderness training. He had been under heavy scrutiny since late May 2025 when he picked up his daughters — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) — for a scheduled visit and failed to return them to their mother. AP News+4ABC News+4KOMO+4

On June 2, the bodies of the girls were found near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County. Autopsy reports determined that all three died by suffocation. They had been bound (zip ties) and had plastic bags placed over their heads. Decker’s truck was located nearby — with bloody handprints on its tailgate and DNA evidence linking him to the scene. KOMO+2People.com+2

After the discovery of the girls, a large, multi-agency manhunt began. Authorities warned that Decker should be considered dangerous. Over many weeks, hundreds of officers, state and federal agencies combed many remote and wooded areas by ground, air, and other means. There were also tips and unconfirmed sightings, including some in Idaho and Washington. ABC News+2People.com+2

The Recent Development

In mid-September 2025, human remains were located in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth. Officials say preliminary findings are consistent with what Decker was last seen wearing, and that clothing and other personal effects at the scene align with his description. DNA testing is underway to confirm identity. News.com.au+3KOMO+3People.com+3

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Washington State Patrol crime-scene response team. Family members have been notified and are being supported. Officials have asked for continued privacy as forensic work proceeds. KOMO+2People.com+2

What Is Still Unknown & What To Watch For

• Positive confirmation via DNA has not yet happened. The remains are believed to be his, but nothing official yet. KOMO+1
• The full condition of the remains, precisely how long they had been there, and whether any other evidence will help to reconstruct exactly what happened (post disappearance) is still under investigation.
• The motive and Decker’s mental state remain part of public scrutiny; earlier filings from the children’s mother raised concerns about his mental health and stability, even prior to the tragic events. ABC News+1

This development, if confirmed, would bring closure of a kind to a case that has haunted many in the region. It may also raise questions about whether the earlier searches missed signs, how Decker survived if indeed he did, and how such investigations can move faster in similar situations. The families, law enforcement agencies, and community are now awaiting forensic confirmation, and likely will in coming days or weeks receive updates about decomposition, identity, and next steps in both criminal and family legal arenas.

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