Authorities searching for fugitive father Travis Decker say they may have found their first major clue. Bones were uncovered this week during a two-day sweep of campgrounds near Leavenworth, Washington, in an operation that involved more than 100 FBI Seattle agents working with local law enforcement. The search wrapped up Tuesday and has brought new attention to a manhunt that’s been underway since early summer, Fox 13 Seattle reported.
Decker, an Army veteran with survival training, has been on the run for three months. He’s the prime suspect in the murders of his three daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. Investigators say he disappeared on June 2 after failing to return the girls to their mother following a scheduled visitation.
Days later, their bodies were discovered at Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek. Autopsies revealed they had suffocated, and their deaths were ruled homicides. Each of the children had been found with a bag over her head.
The recent discovery of bones is now being closely examined to see if it could be connected to Decker. While investigators couldn’t immediately confirm if the bones were human, they have been sent to Central Washington University’s anthropology department for forensic testing.
“Search personnel recovered several items that are being examined to determine if they are related to this investigation,” the FBI told the outlet, adding that results will take time.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison stressed that the evidence still doesn’t confirm whether Decker is alive or dead. He also explained that if the bones do belong to a person, finding an intact skeleton would be unlikely.
“We recognize that the potential is it’s not going to be a full skeleton,” Morrison said. “If we were to find one, there’s going to be bits and pieces, because wildlife does spread remains around.”
So far, investigators have combed through 247 acres across three major sweeps, Fox 13 reported. The sheriff warned that additional campground and trail closures are expected as search efforts expand. Another large-scale search coordinated with federal partners is already planned for September.
For now, the case continues to grip the public as the manhunt stretches on. Authorities remain determined to track Decker down and are urging patience as the forensic team works to analyze the bones and other items collected during this latest operation.