Authorities have recovered human remains on Grindstone Mountain, a wooded, remote region south of Leavenworth, that are thought to be those of Travis Decker, according to Chelan County officials and KIRO 7. The discovery came during a large-scale search led by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, with assistance from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
Sheriff Mike Morrison told KIRO 7 that the remains were found on Grindstone Mountain, off Icicle Road — not far from the location where the bodies of Decker’s three daughters were discovered. Because of the rugged terrain, search teams had to be inserted by helicopter.
Drones and cadaver dogs were deployed in the effort. Although official identification has not yet been confirmed, preliminary evidence suggests the remains could belong to Decker. Morrison also said that some items found near the remains — including clothing — appeared similar to what Decker was wearing when he disappeared. Other personal items were located as well, though officials did not provide specifics.
Decker is accused of kidnapping and murdering his three daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), on May 30 during what was supposed to be a custody visit. He has been wanted by both local and federal law enforcement ever since.
His truck was found abandoned near Rock Island Campground on June 2; the girls’ bodies were also located nearby. Prior to being found, law enforcement warned that Decker, who has military survival training, might be hiding in remote wilderness. Sections of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were closed as searchers combed the area.
