A father suspected of murdering his three daughters is presumed deceased following an extensive search that lasted several months.
Authorities had been pursuing former soldier Travis Decker in the mountainous regions of Washington state after the tragic deaths of his three children. The 33-year-old had been on the run since June 2 when law enforcement discovered his truck along with the bodies of his daughters, Paityn Decker (nine), Evelyn Decker (eight), and Olivia Decker (five), at a campground near Leavenworth.
Recent developments saw federal prosecutors requesting a judge to withdraw the arrest warrant for Decker based on information from the US Marshals Service indicating his death. However, there is a discrepancy as the sheriff’s office stated that a definitive conclusion cannot be made until DNA test results are received.
Authorities uncovered human remains believed to be Decker’s in a secluded wooded area in central Washington. Despite this finding, investigators are awaiting DNA confirmation to establish the individual’s identity. Nonetheless, a court document filed by US Attorney S. Peter Serrano confirmed the US Marshals Service’s report of Decker’s demise.
In response to these revelations, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released a statement acknowledging the US Marshals Service’s communication but emphasized the need for DNA test results to confirm Decker’s fate.
The sheriff’s office revealed that they are currently awaiting DNA analysis results from the state Crime Lab, expected to be available in the coming days. Upon confirmation of the DNA findings, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office plans to hold a press briefing to disclose the outcomes and address any inquiries from the media and the public.
The tragic discovery of the three children at the campground occurred after Decker failed to return them to their mother’s residence in Wenatchee, located around 100 miles east of Seattle, following a scheduled visit. The girls were found near Travis’ white pick-up truck in a remote area of Rock Island Campground, having perished from asphyxiation as determined by the autopsy.
Reports from his ex-wife a year ago indicated Decker’s deteriorating mental health and increasing instability. She had filed a petition seeking to restrict his overnight visits with their daughters until he secured stable housing, mentioning his tendency to live out of his truck.
Decker served as an infantryman in the US Army from March 2013 to July 2021, including a four-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2014. Authorities highlighted his expertise in navigation, survival skills, and a history of living off the grid for over two months.
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