Warning: This article contains graphic details of the case which some readers may find distressing.
Authorities in Washington State have confirmed that the remains found in a wooded area belong to Travis Decker. A coroner has explained why conducting an autopsy is not feasible.
The 32-year-old man was charged with the murder of his three daughters—nine-year-old Paityn, eight-year-old Evelyn, and five-year-old Olivia. Their bodies were discovered at Rock Island Campground, located about an hour from their home in Wenatchee. The girls were found with their wrists bound by zip ties and plastic bags over their heads.
According to the authorities, Decker, a former Army veteran, was supposed to return the children to their mother on May 30 as per a court order, but he failed to do so.
A major search operation was initiated, leading to the tragic finding on June 2 at the secluded campsite.
While the girls’ bodies were recovered, Decker remained a fugitive, wanted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Four months after their disappearance, Decker’s body was found last week, with Chelan County Sheriff’s Office stating, “human remains were located in a remote wooded area south of the town of Leavenworth.”
Despite finding his remains, officials report insufficient evidence to perform an autopsy. Chelan County Coroner Wayne Harris noted that due to the condition of the remains, “it is possible that the answers to the questions of how and when he died will never be known.”
Authorities revealed that Decker’s head and torso are still missing and that no biological tissue was found at the location. The coroner pointed out that only a few bones were discovered, attributing it to the duration of Decker’s death, the hot summer climate, and wildlife activity in the area.
In a particularly grim finding, his remains were spread across five different locations, several hundred yards apart.
A state anthropologist ruled out evident bone fractures that would suggest a fall, but investigators concede that they may never fully understand what happened to Decker.
During a press conference on Thursday, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed the identification of Decker’s remains.
“I stand before you again with news that we have received our DNA results back from the Washington State patrol’s crime lab from the items that were recovered last week. That would be the clothing and also the human remains. We are glad to say that those remains do come back as a positive match for Travis Decker,” he informed reporters.
“It’s a big day for Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, all of our federal partners that we can finally bring a close to this dark chapter of Chelan County.
“Certainly pay respects to the deaths of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. We want to show honor to them, let them know that we never forgot about them – we haven’t forgot about their family.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].