In Canada, over 700 people go missing every month. But finding them is rare, even in tough terrain. Now, the remains found in a remote area south of Leavenworth are confirmed to be Travis Decker, 32. He was at the heart of a tragedy that hit the Wenatchee area hard.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said DNA from the clothing and remains matched Travis Decker. This was on Sept. 18. The site is near where his three daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were found in early June, near Rock Island Campground.
Morrison called this a “full circle” moment. He said the family might find some peace, even though figuring out how and when Decker died could take months. Decker was wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. After the confirmation, the U.S. Marshals Service said he is deceased. They are now dropping the case and canceling the arrest warrant.
This news brings some closure to the Wenatchee area and nearby Leavenworth. It’s a sad step, but it’s a step toward healing. Investigators are continuing their work.
Latest update on identification and status
Authorities gave a detailed update after a week of forensic work. They said they are taking their time to make sure they are right. This is to answer the question of has travis decker been found.
Positive DNA match confirmed by Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said lab tests confirmed a DNA match. This match was found in items and remains found. It shows that the search for travis decker found is ongoing.
Clothing and remains found south of Leavenworth near the original crime scene
Teams found clothes and remains south of Leavenworth. They were near the Rock Island Campground, where earlier clues were found. This helps investigators piece together what happened.
Coroner’s ongoing work to determine cause and time of death
The Chelan County Coroner’s Office is working hard to figure out cause and time of death. They say it might take months. Updates will come when they have enough information, with help from Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison.
| Update Focus | Key Detail | Location Context | Status Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Confirmation | Positive DNA match | South of Leavenworth | Confirmed by Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison |
| Evidence Recovery | Clothing and remains | Corridor near Rock Island Campground | Integrated into case file for analysis |
| Cause and Time | Forensic coroner review | Chelan County jurisdiction | Pending; duration may span months |
| Public Status Queries | has travis decker been found / travis decker found | Applies to ongoing communications | Clarified as updates are validated |
Case background and charges
The case started with a family visit that turned into a criminal probe. It caught the nation’s attention and kept travis decker news readers interested. The Wenatchee Police Department and county partners have outlined a timeline and charges that show the seriousness of the situation.
Scheduled visitation on May 30 followed by disappearance
Travis Decker was supposed to pick up his daughters on May 30 for a visit. But he didn’t return them to their mother. As time went on, alerts were sent out, and agencies worked together in Chelan County. The Wenatchee Police Department helped with outreach, and deputies widened the search area.
Discovery of the girls near Rock Island Campground
Three days later, a deputy found Decker’s truck near Rock Island Campground. The bodies of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia were found nearby. Court records mention plastic bags and zip ties found at the scene, which were key to the investigation.
First-degree murder and kidnapping allegations detailed by authorities
Decker was named the only suspect, with DNA evidence found at the scene. This included bloody handprints on the tailgate. Prosecutors charged him with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping. These charges are based on evidence that matches the autopsy results. They continue to be a focus in travis decker news and official updates from the Wenatchee Police Department.
Discovery site near Grindstone Mountain
Search teams are now focusing on a steep, wooded slope on Grindstone Mountain, just northwest of Leavenworth. They are working within the original search area near Rock Island Campground. The terrain is tough, with dense trees, loose rocks, and poor visibility.
Remote wooded slope less than a mile from Rock Island Campground
The site is just under a mile, or 1.6 kilometres, from Rock Island Campground. It’s on a narrow bench cut into the hillside. Crews have found natural barriers and animal paths that help guide movement up the slope.
Use of drones, canine units, and grid searches in rugged terrain
Teams are moving forward with careful grid searches, aided by drones and canine units. They’re using aerial maps, GPS, and marked paths to navigate through dense brush and fallen trees.
Items recovered: shirt, shorts, bracelet, chewing tobacco
They’ve found a shirt, shorts, a bracelet, and chewing tobacco on the slope. These items are above a drainage area. They match the search paths leading from Leavenworth to Grindstone Mountain and Rock Island Campground.
Search timeline and major developments
The search for Travis Decker grew more intense each day. Teams navigated through steep ridges and fast water. They followed a detailed plan, moving from wide searches to focused ones with new clues.
Manhunt spanning more than three months across mountainous terrain
For over three months, searchers used various methods to explore the area. They walked, flew by helicopter, and boated through dense canyons and forests. The search used maps, flight plans, and river searches to cover all areas.
Teams faced challenges like heat, storms, and poor visibility. Yet, they worked tirelessly, revisiting key spots as new information came in.
Decker’s truck recovered at the scene; extensive multi-agency response
When Decker’s truck was found near the start, the search effort quickly grew. The U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies joined the hunt. This expanded the search area.
A reward was offered by the U.S. Marshals Service. The search continued with a large team, using air and ground assets to cover the area.
Reported sightings in Idaho and Washington that did not pan out
Many tips were followed, including sightings in Idaho and Washington. These led to more searches and interviews.
Even though none confirmed Decker’s location, these efforts helped guide the search. They helped focus the manhunt within the larger search effort.
Travis Decker
Travis Decker, also known as Travis Caleb Decker, was an Army veteran. He served from 2013 to 2021, including a four-month tour in Afghanistan in 2014. His background in navigation and survival skills helped guide the search efforts in steep canyons and dense forests.
Court records and counsel statements mentioned mental health issues. These issues had an impact on his access to his children.
Authorities accused Travis Decker of suffocating his daughters. DNA evidence at the scene confirmed he was the only suspect. His history of living off the grid showed his ability to survive outdoors for extended periods. For a detailed timeline and official updates, see this case chronology.
| Profile | Service & Training | Investigative Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Decker, 32 | Army veteran, 2013–2021; Afghanistan deployment (2014) | DNA linked to items at the scene |
| Background | Navigation and survival skills cited by authorities | Accused in the suffocation deaths of his daughters |
| Mental Health | Reports of instability affecting visitation | References to PTSD in filings and counsel statements |
| Field Experience | Lived off the grid for more than two months | Search strategy adjusted for backcountry mobility |
Public statements showed a balance between mental health concerns and Decker’s Army veteran background. His training and survival skills influenced the search efforts. This mix shaped the terrain covered and how leads on Decker were followed over time.
Role of the Wenatchee Police Department and partner agencies
The Wenatchee Police Department was the first to act. They issued an alert when the children didn’t come back after May 30. This early action set the stage for a careful and steady response from many agencies.
Initial missing persons alert and homicide investigation support
Officers quickly put out a missing persons notice. They also collected reports from neighbours and businesses. As the case evolved, the Wenatchee Police Department helped homicide detectives with canvassing, records, and evidence handling.
They kept updates simple and clear to avoid rumors. They also made sure new information went straight to the main investigators.
Coordination with Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and U.S. Marshals
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office led the search efforts. They worked closely with the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Other state and federal agencies, like the U.S. Border Patrol and Washington State Patrol, joined in.
Together, they coordinated maps, radio channels, and schedules. This helped avoid duplication and kept efforts focused on key areas.
Public tips, backcountry advisories, and safety communications
Agencies collected public tips through phone and online. They sorted these tips by time and location. They also issued advisories for the backcountry, asking people to report any unusual activity.
Even when leads were scarce, they kept the messages going. They reminded everyone to report any small details and to stay safe.
Evidence leading to the remains
Searchers faced tough terrain and fast water to find clues. They matched field finds with lab results. Agencies checked paperwork to fit the timeline.
Dive team recovery of a key fob from Icicle Creek
A dive team found a key fob in Icicle Creek. It matched Travis Decker’s truck. The key fob showed it had been in cold water, leading to a search along the creek bank.
This discovery helped narrow the search area near Grindstone Mountain. It was a key find for the backcountry search.
DNA analysis on clothing and remains by the Washington State Crime Lab
On 18 September, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Marshals found clothing and remains. They collected bones and clothes carefully.
The Washington State Crime Lab did DNA tests. They confirmed the remains were Travis Decker, matching the Icicle Creek evidence.
Confirmation steps and dismissal of the arrest warrant following death notice
After confirming the identity, the U.S. Marshals updated the case. They filed to dismiss charges and cancel the arrest warrant.
Agencies notified everyone and updated bulletins. They made sure public records were correct.
| Key Event | Location | Agency Involved | Evidence/Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water search | Icicle Creek | Dive team | Recovery of a key fob tied to the vehicle | Directed ground searches to adjacent terrain |
| Backcountry sweep | Near Grindstone Mountain | U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals | Clothing and skeletal remains collected | Materials sent under chain-of-custody to lab |
| Laboratory work | Olympia, WA | Washington State Crime Lab | DNA analysis on bones and garments | Positive match to Travis Decker |
| Judicial update | Federal docket | U.S. Marshals Service | Formal court filing | Dismissal motion and warrant quashed |
Victims remembered and family responses
In the Wenatchee Valley, candles, ribbons, and notes promised to remember Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. Schools and neighbours set up tributes and memorials. They showed a wave of community support that went beyond borders and time. Each act celebrated a girls’ legacy of kindness and fun.
Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia: tributes and memorials
Vigils in Leavenworth and Wenatchee brought families together. They never met the sisters but felt connected to their story. With soft toys, chalk art, and music, tributes focused on joy.
Simple memorials near trails and parks offered a moment for reflection. They were a promise to keep the girls’ legacy alive.
Statements from Whitney Decker’s attorney expressing gratitude to law enforcement
Whitney Decker thanked the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wenatchee Police, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals. Her attorney, Arianna Cozart, shared the family’s gratitude. She said the community support and teamwork made each day easier.
Community support and the call to honour the girls’ legacy
Neighbours started meal trains, book drives, and cleaned up a playground for the sisters. Faith groups and local businesses helped with space, supplies, and time. Their efforts kept the girls’ legacy alive and drew more community support.
Law enforcement perspectives and public statements
After confirming the identity, officials shared their thoughts. They had faced months of pressure and needed to be clear. They talked about the facts, timelines, and respect for the family.
They also highlighted the dedication to finding answers from the start.
“Full circle” announcement and apology to the family
Sheriff Mike Morrison called the DNA confirmation a “full circle” moment. He apologized to Whitney Decker for the long wait. He explained the reasons for not sharing updates earlier.
He said it was to protect evidence and respect for the next of kin. His words showed empathy and detailed care.
Commitment to persistence despite early decreases in leads
Even when tips slowed, Sheriff Mike Morrison vowed to keep searching. He said the work would continue as long as needed. He noted that teams kept going, even when it seemed tough.
They were rechecking creek banks and running grids again. His words matched the hard work on the ground.
U.S. Marshals Service declaration in court
The U.S. Marshals Service filed a court document saying Travis Caleb Decker was dead. They asked to close the case and cancel the warrant. This move was to reflect the evidence found.
Context: military background and survival training
Teams looked at his time in the Army and his mental health when searching. This helped them plan and talk to the public.
Army service from 2013–2021, Afghanistan deployment in 2014
He served in the U.S. Army infantry from 2013 to 2021. A key part was a four-month Afghanistan deployment in 2014. This experience was important for the search teams.
Navigation and survival skills that influenced search strategy
He had a lot of survival training and knew how to navigate. He once lived off the grid for over two months. This helped teams find him by looking at water, ridges, and places to hide.
Mental health concerns reported in court filings and by counsel
Court papers and his lawyer talked about his mental health. They mentioned PTSD. This information helped keep him safe and was used in planning the search.
SEO and media notes for Canadian readers
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Key related terms
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Geographic anchors
Reports often mention the Wenatchee area. Maps show locations near Leavenworth, Grindstone Mountain, and Rock Island Campground. These help readers compare articles and follow updates.
Clarification on unrelated search terms
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Readers might also see grindstone mountain farm and scott morrison saskatoon. Caleb carney and the toronto coroner’s office might appear too. These terms are not related to the verified locations in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Grindstone Mountain, or Rock Island Campground.
Conclusion
Authorities have confirmed that the remains found near Grindstone Mountain are Travis Decker’s. This ends a long search. DNA analysis by the Washington State Crime Lab matched the clothing and remains. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office led the field work that found the remains.
The U.S. Marshals Service then decided to close the case. They noted that Travis Decker had passed away. This news brings closure to those who followed the investigation.
The case started when Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia were found near Rock Island Campground. Their loss saddened the whole area. The coroner is now figuring out how and when they died.
Leaders say the focus is on remembering the girls and supporting their loved ones. The community’s support was key during the search. They helped through tough terrain and long weeks with little progress.
Local, provincial, and federal partners worked together. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office explained how they identified Travis Decker. The U.S. Marshals Service officially ended the manhunt.
For more on the timeline and findings, check out this latest report. It details how the evidence was gathered.
Now, the focus is on honouring the girls and supporting those affected. Finding Travis Decker is a hard step toward closure. It’s thanks to the community’s support and the hard work of all agencies involved.