Father’s Remains Found Near Site of Daughters’ Deaths in Washington

WENATCHEE, Wash. — Months after three young sisters were found dead in the Washington wilderness, authorities believe they have discovered the remains of their father, Travis Caleb Decker, the suspect in their murders.

The discovery occurred when investigators found bone fragments, clothing, and personal belongings matching Decker’s at a difficult terrain area just 0.74 miles from where his daughters’ bodies were located, according to Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison.

Officials stated that the search for Decker, who has been on the run since May 30, involved leads from three countries and multiple false alarms across the United States. The search concluded this week after a drone detected unusual materials amidst thick vegetation on Grindstone Mountain.

<p“He would have had to climb up about 1,000 feet in elevation to reach that spot,” said Sheriff Morrison. “This terrain is almost uninhabitable, making searches extremely challenging.”

Detectives rappelled from a helicopter and located the remains in an area where decomposition had progressed significantly, indicating animal activity had disturbed the scene.

Items found included clothing identified as belonging to Decker, which is now being tested for DNA verification. It remains unclear how long it will take to identify the remains or the cause of death.

The three sisters—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn—were reported missing after Decker failed to return them following a three-hour custody visit. Their bodies were discovered three days later suffocated with plastic bags, located near their father’s abandoned truck at Rock Island Campground.

DNA evidence from bags and cable ties found near the girls matched Decker’s profile, leading authorities to suspect he was responsible for the grim crime. He left his truck behind and vanished without leaving credit card or phone activity.

<p“He had a three-day head start and is a trained survivalist,” said Sheriff Morrison. “The area is extremely tough to navigate, and many have questioned why it took so long to find him, but it’s not an easy area to search at all.”

Efforts to locate Decker involved drones, cadaver dogs, and extensive resources, but no sightings were reported until the remains were found. Investigators have also provided mental health support to the officers involved in this harrowing case.

<p“This is one of the most tragic incidents we have witnessed,” Morrison stated. He recently updated the victims' mother on the findings, expressing hope for closure.

A fundraiser has been created to assist the grieving family during this devastating time.