A tense investigation is underway in Washington after remains were discovered in a remote area, initially believed to belong to Travis Decker, the father accused of killing his three young daughters.
While federal authorities have filed court documents declaring Decker deceased, local officials caution that scientific verification has not yet been completed.
Coroner Stresses Need for Scientific Evidence
Chelan County Coroner Wayne Harris told the Daily Mail that the office has not confirmed the identity of the body found on September 18.
“There’s no scientific confirmation that it’s him, so I can’t speak to that,” Harris explained.
He emphasized that the office relies solely on scientific evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, X-rays, or visual identification, rather than circumstantial clues.
Harris noted that DNA testing is ongoing and warned that it could take days—or in some cases, weeks—to finalize the identification.
Until then, authorities cannot confirm the cause or manner of death.
Sheriff Affirms Caution Amid Conflicting Reports
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison echoed Harris’ statement, stressing that his department cannot yet confirm Decker’s status.
“We are currently awaiting DNA test results from the state Crime Lab, which are expected to be returned within the next few days,” he said.
Morrison promised a full press conference once more definitive information becomes available.
The coroner criticized the early release of information by US Marshals, which claimed Decker’s death based on circumstantial evidence.
“It’s frustrating because circumstantial evidence doesn’t work in our office. You need actual DNA proof,” Harris said.
Discovery Context and Search Background
The remains were found three months after the tragic deaths of Decker’s daughters: Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five.
The girls’ bodies were discovered at a campground near Wenatchee, roughly 100 miles east of Seattle, after Decker failed to return them from a scheduled visit on May 30.
Decker, a 33-year-old Army veteran and member of the Washington National Guard, had extensive wilderness survival training.
Authorities had searched the area for months, as they grew increasingly uncertain whether he was still alive in the remote wilderness.
Federal Claims and Ongoing Dispute
A federal law enforcement source reportedly confirmed to TMZ that the remains belong to Decker, citing DNA evidence.
However, this claim has been disputed by the coroner’s office, leaving the situation unresolved.
The body was found wearing clothing matching the latest description of Decker.
Decker’s Background and Mental Health Issues
Travis Decker had a history of mental health struggles, including a recent diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.
At the time of the incident, he was court-mandated to undergo mental health and domestic violence anger management counseling but had refused treatment.
Authorities noted that Decker was homeless and living out of his car when he picked up his three daughters.
Despite his ex-wife Whitney describing him as a loving father, his actions led to the tragic events that have captivated and horrified the community.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The coroner expects DNA test results within the next few days but cautions that the timeline may be optimistic given the complexity of the case.
Officials in Washington emphasize that autopsy results will be shared with law enforcement and the family first, and public details will depend on official releases.
Harris concluded: “We need to know if it’s him first. Until then, we cannot make any assumptions about cause of death or identification.”