US Marshals Service declares suspected child killer Travis Decker dead; sheriff awaits DNA confirmation

The US Marshals Service has declared Travis Decker, the 32-year-old Army veteran accused of murdering his three daughters, deceased. But Chelan County authorities said on Wednesday that confirmation of his death is still pending DNA results.

In a filing this week, federal prosecutors asked a judge to dismiss the case and quash Decker’s arrest warrant. “The United States Marshals Service has advised the Defendant TRAVIS CALEB DECKER is deceased,” the document said. US Attorney S Peter Serrano confirmed the motion followed the Marshals Service’s advice.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison pushed back on the timing of the declaration, calling it premature. “We are currently awaiting DNA test results from the state Crime Lab, which are expected to be returned within the next few days,” his office said. “Once the DNA results are confirmed, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference to share findings and address any questions from the media and public.”

Skeletal remains believed to be Decker’s were found last week on Grindstone Mountain at an elevation of 4,000 feet. They were discovered with personal items including clothing, a bracelet, and chewing tobacco. Coroner Wayne Harris said his office must rely on scientific confirmation. “Other agencies can speak about their investigation into Mr. Decker and locating human remains, and can state that based on circumstantial evidence that the remains located are his,” Harris said. “The Chelan County Coroner’s Office does not have that luxury. We must rely on scientific methods to establish positive identification.”

Decker had been on the run since June, when the bodies of his daughters — 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia — were discovered at a campground near Leavenworth. Investigators said the girls had been bound with zip ties, suffocated with plastic bags, and their deaths ruled as homicides.

The discovery of remains came after a drone search spotted a shirt consistent with what Decker was last seen wearing. Morrison said all signs indicate Decker died in that location some time ago.

Arianna Cozart, attorney for Decker’s ex-wife Whitney, said in a statement last week: “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.”

Decker, a former infantryman who served in Afghanistan, was known to have survival skills and lived out of his truck at times. The manhunt for him became the largest in Chelan County’s history.

The US Marshals Service had previously offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his capture.