DNA Confirms Travis Decker’s Death, Chelan County Sheriff Announces Closure in Daughter Murders

Chelan County Sheriff’s investigators have officially confirmed the death of Travis Decker, the man accused of killing his three young daughters. State Patrol’s crime lab verified that human remains and clothing discovered on Grindstone Mountain are a definitive DNA match to the 32-year-old father, bringing a crucial — albeit somber — conclusion to a case that has gripped the community.

Sheriff Mike Morrison announced the confirmation on Thursday, stating, “We can finally bring a close to this dark chapter in Chelan County.” The remains were found on September 19 at an elevation of 4,000 feet, surrounded by personal items later linked to Decker. This DNA confirmation follows earlier initial results that connected clothing found at the scene to Decker.

Morrison addressed circulating online rumors, emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation. “This is Mr. Decker’s remains. The clothing matches, the remains match. That is the end of the conversation,” he stated, aiming to quash conspiracy theories.

For nearly four months, local, state, and federal authorities conducted an extensive search across 2,900 square miles. Decker had been the sole suspect in the murders of his daughters — 5-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Olivia — whose bodies were discovered on June 2 near Rock Island Campground. The medical examiner determined their cause of death as suffocation and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

While the confirmation of Decker’s death provides significant closure, questions remain regarding how and when he died. The coroner’s office is investigating, with potential answers expected within a few months. Sheriff Morrison expressed hope that this update brings some peace to the girls’ mother, Whitney, and her family, acknowledging that “no matter what, this is not going to bring Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia back.”

The Sheriff’s Office will now proceed with the formal process to close the criminal case against Decker. Morrison extended gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and patience throughout the harrowing months-long investigation.

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