Authorities issue major update in search for dad accused of killing three daughters
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Chelan County Sheriff's Office
Police think they may have found Travis Decker after an almost three month-long manhunt.
Travis was wanted in connection to the deaths of his three daughters Olivia, five, Evelyn, eight, and Paityn, nine.
The girls' mother, Whitney Decker, called police on May 30 after Travis failed to return their children home after a scheduled visit.
In a devastating update a few days later, it was revealed that Olivia, Evelyn and Paityn had died from suffocation and the manner of death was a homicide.
Advert
Whitney spoke at a memorial service held for her children where she described them as 'incredible'.
She added that she hopes that 'the legacy of the girls' lives, lives on in everyone's heart forever'.
Travis was the key suspect in the case and he has been missing ever since the girls were found. He was charged with their murders despite still being at large as DNA testing confirmed he was the sole suspect in the girls' deaths.
Now, in a major update, police have announced that they have discovered human remains believed to be that of Travis'.
Chelan County Sheriff's office said the body was found in a remote wooded area in south of Leavenworth.
"While positive identification has not yet been confirmed, preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Travis Decker," the sheriff's office said Thursday evening (September 18), ABC News reports.
Travis' family are said to have been informed about the discovery and told that it's thought the remains are his.
Addressing the news, Arianna Cozart, the attorney for Whitney, said in a statement: "We are praying that the remains found are confirmed to be Travis's. We continue to be grateful for law enforcement's efforts in this case and are forever appreciative of the entire world's love, compassion, and support for Whitney."
The remains were found yesterday in part of the Icicle Valley that was 'outside of the search area', NCWLife says.
Sheriff Mike Morrison told the publication that they're hoping to get confirmation today (September 19) on whether the remains are definitely Travis' and noted that 'it seems to be consistent with [clothing] we believe he was last seen in'.
According to Morrison, final identification still must be made by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.