Authorities believe they might have located Travis Decker following an extensive manhunt that lasted nearly three months.
Travis was sought in relation to the tragic deaths of his three daughters: Olivia, five; Evelyn, eight; and Paityn, nine.
Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, reached out to law enforcement on May 30 when Travis did not bring their children back after a scheduled visit.
In a heart-rending update days later, it was disclosed that Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn had succumbed to suffocation, with the cause of death determined to be homicide.
During a memorial service for her daughters, Whitney described them as ‘incredible’. She expressed her hope that ‘the legacy of the girls’ lives, lives on in everyone’s heart forever’.
Travis was the primary suspect in the investigation and had been missing since the discovery of the girls. Despite being on the run, he was charged with their murders as DNA evidence identified him as the sole suspect in their deaths.
In a significant development, police have reported discovering human remains thought to be Travis Decker’s.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s office indicated the body was located in a secluded wooded area south of Leavenworth.
“While positive identification has not yet been confirmed, preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Travis Decker,” the sheriff’s office mentioned Thursday evening (September 18), as reported by ABC News.
Travis’ family has been notified about the discovery and informed that the remains are believed to be his.
Arianna Cozart, Whitney’s attorney, commented on the matter in a statement: “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 remains were discovered yesterday in the Icicle Valley, an area ‘outside of the search area’, according to NCWLife.
Sheriff Mike Morrison conveyed to the publication that they hope to confirm today (September 19) whether the remains are indeed Travis’, noting that ‘it seems to be consistent with [clothing] we believe he was last seen in’.
Final identification will be conducted by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, according to Morrison.
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to talk to someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.