Coroner Urges Caution as Authorities Debate Identity of Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker
Chelan County officials say DNA testing is still needed to confirm identity, despite federal claims that the Washington father accused of killing his three daughters is dead.
Chelan County, Wash. — Sept. 25, 2025 — Confusion continues to surround the fate of Travis Caleb Decker, the Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters earlier this year, after the U.S. Marshals Service declared him dead while local authorities urged restraint.
Chelan County Coroner Wayne Harris issued a statement Wednesday clarifying that his office has not yet confirmed Decker’s death. “Other agencies can speak about their investigation into Mr. Decker and locating human remains, and can state that based on circumstantial evidence 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. Those methods include DNA, fingerprints, dental or skeletal radiographs, or visual identification.”
Remains Found in Remote Washington Forest
Authorities reported last week that human remains had been discovered in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Wash. The location was near where Decker, 32, had last been tracked after a nationwide manhunt began in June. Investigators suspected the remains were his, but definitive testing is still underway.
The coroner confirmed the bones have been sent to the state forensic anthropologist for evaluation and DNA analysis. With help from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, samples are being expedited to establish whether the remains belong to Decker.
“Bear in mind, the cause and manner of death may never be known,” Harris cautioned.
Charges Remain Until Confirmation
Despite the U.S. Marshals Service filing paperwork to dismiss charges and quash the federal arrest warrant against Decker, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told ABC News the criminal case remains active until scientific confirmation is received. “We have not received DNA confirmation on the remains found last week,” the sheriff’s office reiterated in a statement to PEOPLE.
Background: The Decker Family Tragedy
Decker became the focus of national attention after his three daughters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — disappeared during a scheduled visitation on May 30, 2025. Their bodies were found three days later at a campground, sparking a massive search for their father.
The girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, later spoke at their memorial service, describing them as “incredible” and urging mourners to keep their memory alive. “I truly hope that the legacy of the girls’ lives lives on in everyone’s heart forever,” she said.
What Happens Next
Authorities say further updates will depend on the outcome of forensic testing. Until then, questions remain over whether the remains belong to Decker and whether the case against him will be formally closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Travis Decker been confirmed dead?
Not yet. While the U.S. Marshals Service has declared Travis Decker deceased, Chelan County officials say DNA testing is still needed to positively confirm the identity of human remains found in a wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington.
What happened to Travis Decker’s daughters?
Decker’s three daughters — Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) — went missing on May 30, 2025, during a planned visitation with their father. Their bodies were discovered at a remote campground on June 2. Authorities allege Decker was responsible for their deaths.
Why are authorities waiting for DNA results?
The Chelan County Coroner explained that positive identification requires scientific proof, such as DNA, fingerprints, or dental records. Without that, the office cannot legally declare the remains as Decker’s, even if circumstantial evidence suggests so.
What happens if the remains are confirmed as Decker’s?
If testing verifies the remains belong to Decker, the criminal charges against him will be dismissed, closing the case. However, officials caution that the cause and manner of his death may never be known.
