Travis Decker Confirmed Dead After Murdering Three Daughters

LEAVENWORTH, Washington — Travis Decker, the father accused of killing his three daughters, has been confirmed dead, according to Chelan County authorities. The announcement came Thursday after positive DNA results from human remains discovered last week matched Decker’s identity.

Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison announced the confirmation during a news conference, expressing relief that the case could be closed. “We can finally bring a close to this dark chapter of Chelan County,” Morrison said. “He is deceased, our DNA results confirm that, and this will bring a close to our case.”

The grim saga of Decker led to a community search that spanned several counties and even crossed borders. A drone detected unusual material on Grindstone Mountain, prompting detectives to rappel from a helicopter to investigate. There they found Decker’s remains and clothing resembling what he wore in surveillance footage prior to his disappearance.

Morrison highlighted the role of an operational psychologist who guided the search to Grindstone Mountain, saying, “Her insights and guidance led us to an important area to search where we did eventually locate Mr. Decker.” The remains were found on Sept. 18, and the local coroner’s office is now working on identifying the cause and time of death.

The search for Decker began after he allegedly murdered his daughters — 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia — after picking them up for a visitation on May 30. Their bodies were discovered shortly thereafter near Rock Island Campground, around 100 yards from where Decker’s abandoned truck was found.

Investigators used drones and cadaver dogs throughout the Cascade Mountains outside Leavenworth, aiming to locate Decker, who had a three-day head start. Despite extensive searches, including help from various local and federal agencies, he remained elusive until his remains were found in the very area where his daughters were buried.

Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, had previously expressed hope that the remains found would belong to her ex-husband. Last week, her attorney, Arianna Cozart, released a statement saying, “We are praying that the remains found are confirmed to be Travis’s. 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.”

The case has raised questions about the motive behind the tragic events. Sheriff Morrison stated, “Based off the evidence we have, he committed murder. It’s inexcusable, It’s unexplainable.” He also added, “Our community is now down three young girls that would have been our bright future. They’re not here.”

Morrison concluded his news conference with a message for Whitney Decker: “To Whitney: I certainly hope you know that we never gave up, and Paityn, Evelyn, Olivia, their memories will live on forever.”