Travis Decker search back to square one as truth emerges about grim discovery

A frustrating development in the Travis Decker case has forced investigators to press “reset” in their search for the father accused of murdering his three daughters in June 2025 before fleeing into the wilderness in Washington State.

According to Washington news outlet KOMO News, new forensic analysis has revealed that bones discovered during the extensive grid search were, in fact, animal remains. not human. This update sends the Decker narrative back to square one.

Discovery of bones in the wilderness

The bones were found during the weekend of August 25 and 26, when the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and local agencies deployed nearly 100 agents across a meticulously planned grid spanning approximately 250 acres near the Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington. The search focused on the rugged terrain along Icicle Creek, near where Decker’s daughters were discovered earlier this summer.

As agents combed the area, bones were uncovered and immediately treated as potential human remains linked to Decker. The discovery briefly raised hopes of finding either Decker himself or confirmation of his fate.

Forensic findings: animal, not human

However, Central Washington University experts conducted a detailed forensic review of the bones and determined unequivocally that they were not human. According to the FBI, further updates on this specific discovery are unlikely as investigators shift focus.

Despite this setback, the Decker manhunt remains fully active. Authorities continue their multi-agency pursuit, warning that Decker—a former military member with extensive survival training—remains armed and dangerous. The search effort continues to expand, with more state resources expected to join in the coming weeks. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

The Decker DNA evidence

Although the bones found were not those of Decker, DNA evidence has played a crucial role in the case. Blood found on the tailgate of Decker’s abandoned truck was confirmed to belong to him, reinforcing that he is the primary and only suspect so far in the deaths of his daughters. Investigators found zip ties on the children’s bodies, which also had Decker’s DNA on them. Investigators also recovered his driver’s license, cellphone, and wallet at the scene, helping piece together the timeline of events.

Decker is facing three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, ages 9, 8, and 5, all found suffocated with plastic bags over their heads at Rock Island Campground on June 2, 2025. Based on the circumstances of their disappearance after he failed to return them following a custody visit, Decker is also facing one count of kidnapping.