Travis Decker Body Found at Dump Site of River

The search for suspected child killer Travis Decker took a significant turn when investigators discovered bones near the Washington campground where his three young daughters’ bodies were found. This development marks a potential breakthrough in a case that has gripped the nation since June.

The discovery came during an intensive two-day search operation at Rock Island Campground, located just four miles from where 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were found dead in late May. While authorities have not yet determined whether the bones are human or animal, they represent the most significant evidence found since the manhunt began three months ago.

Who is Travis Decker?

Travis Decker is a 33-year-old former military soldier who became the primary suspect in the murder of his three daughters. The girls were discovered at a remote campsite in Chelan County, Washington, on June 2, 2025, after what was supposed to be a custody visit with their father.

The children’s deaths were particularly disturbing. Authorities found that their hands were zip-tied, and plastic bags had been placed over their heads. An autopsy later determined the cause of death was suffocation. DNA evidence from the plastic bags matched only Travis Decker, making him the sole suspect in this horrific crime.

Decker faces three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping charges. Despite an extensive manhunt involving federal, state, and local agencies, he has successfully evaded capture for months, leading some investigators to speculate whether he’s still alive.

Travis Decker Body Found at Dump Site of River

The recent bone discovery occurred during what officials described as the largest search operation ever conducted in the Leavenworth area. Nearly 100 FBI agents and law enforcement officers participated in the grid search, which covered rugged, heavily forested U.S. Forest Service land.

FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Peter Orth explained the challenges investigators face: “That effort gets more difficult as time goes on. The elements bury, they carry away, erode the very items that we’re looking for.”

An FBI spokesperson confirmed the discovery, stating: “We can confirm that some bones were collected as part of the search activity earlier in the week around the Rock Island Campground. These bones will be further analyzed to determine if they are animal or human.”

Travis Decker Case

The search operation wasn’t limited to land. Diving teams also searched previously inaccessible areas of Icicle Creek, while ground teams focused on a quarter-mile radius around the campground where the children’s bodies were discovered.

During their search, investigators also found remains of what appeared to be an overdose victim, according to local reports. Several other items were recovered from the campground, though it’s unclear whether any are connected to the Decker case.

W. Mike Herrington from the FBI Seattle field office emphasized the importance of thorough searches: “Finding this potential evidence emphasizes the value in having various teams search an area multiple times, especially in such challenging conditions.”

Bones Found During Travis Decker Manhunt

The extensive search efforts have taken investigators across difficult terrain, including nearly inaccessible locations and dirt roads that stretch for miles without cellphone service. The bone discovery represents a significant development in a case that has frustrated law enforcement for months.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison had previously speculated that Decker might have assistance from someone helping him evade authorities. The former soldier’s military background has also raised concerns about his ability to survive in wilderness conditions and avoid detection.

Morrison noted that the search could continue for years: “It could be years before the 33-year-old is found.” However, the recent bone discovery may change that timeline if the remains prove to be human and connected to the case.

Travis Decker Still on the Run

The manhunt for Travis Decker began immediately after his daughters’ bodies were discovered. His pickup truck was found abandoned 150 miles outside Seattle in a heavily forested area, but the search has yielded few concrete leads until now.

The case has drawn national attention due to its particularly disturbing nature and Decker’s ability to remain hidden despite the massive search effort. Law enforcement has released updated photos of the suspect, warning that he may have altered his appearance.

The ongoing investigation has involved multiple agencies working together to track down leads and search potential hiding spots. The recent bone discovery required coordination between the FBI’s Seattle office and various federal, state, and local agencies.

FBI Hunt for Travis Decker Intensifies Near Site Daughters’ Bodies Were Found

The two-day search operation marked a significant escalation in efforts to locate Decker or evidence related to the case. Sheriff Morrison explained that the intensive search was “just due diligence, making sure that we’re checking our boxes,” rather than being prompted by specific new evidence.

The search teams used sophisticated equipment and techniques to cover the challenging terrain thoroughly. The operation’s scale involving nearly 100 officers demonstrates the priority law enforcement places on resolving this case and bringing justice for the three young victims.

While investigators remain uncertain whether Decker is alive or dead, they continue following every lead and searching every possible location where he might be hiding or where evidence might be found.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Travis Decker’s daughters?

The three girls—Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5)—were found dead at a remote campsite on June 2, 2025. They had been zip-tied and suffocated with plastic bags over their heads during what was supposed to be a custody visit with their father.

Where were the bones found?

The bones were discovered near Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington, approximately four miles from where the children’s bodies were found. The discovery occurred during a large-scale search operation involving nearly 100 law enforcement officers.

Has Travis Decker been captured?

No, Travis Decker remains at large despite a three-month manhunt involving multiple agencies. There is currently a warrant out for his arrest on three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping charges.

Are the bones human?

Authorities have not yet determined whether the discovered bones are human or animal. They are undergoing analysis to make this determination and to see if they have any connection to the case.

What evidence links Travis Decker to the murders?

DNA evidence from the plastic bags found on the victims matched only Travis Decker, making him the sole suspect. Additionally, the crimes occurred during his scheduled custody visit with the children.