[UPDATE Sept. 25: DNA testing has confirmed that the body found is that of Travis Decker.] In the latest Decker sisters case update, the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three daughters, is believed to be dead. Federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the charges and quash his arrest warrant. Meanwhile Chelan County, Washington, investigators await DNA confirmation on Travis Decker.
Decker sisters case update—yet another chapter
“The United States Marshals Service has advised the Defendant TRAVIS CALEB DECKER is deceased,” a federal filing stated. The document, filed Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, seeks to dismiss the case and remove Decker’s arrest warrant.
Last week, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said investigators discovered the remains on Grindstone Mountain at about 4,000 feet, along with clothing believed to belong to the 32-year-old father. The discovery marked a major development in the Chelan County manhunt for Decker.
The manhunt was the largest in county history. Morrison called the murders the county’s “most heinous homicide”. He said investigators will not rush DNA results from the Washington State Patrol lab.
Strong evidence of Decker’s culpability
Decker has been the sole suspect in the deaths of his daughters—Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, ages 5, 8, and 9. DNA testing confirmed his profile on the plastic bags covering the girls’ heads and on cable ties found at the crime scene, with no other DNA detected, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities spent months searching for Decker after they found the girls’ bodies June 2 near the Forest Service’s Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek. They had reported him missing when he failed to return the children to their mother on May 30, as required by a court-ordered visitation plan.
Decker, a former Army Ranger, faced three counts of murder and kidnapping, as well as federal charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Court documents show he researched moving to Canada in the days before the killings.
Community moved
The community continues to mourn the sisters. At a June memorial, Whitney Decker urged families to encourage children to share their feelings every day.
Whitney described how she would ask her girls what three emotions they felt each day. “I believe doing this allowed them to come into the world with open hearts and kindness,” she said. “I hope you are all able to do some version of the three feelings with your loved ones. I’m so thankful for the time I had with the girls.”
Sources include KOMO News
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I join with Whitney and her forever lost children in sharing my three emotions for today…
1) I feel a blessedness to be mostly healthy and able to enjoy all that I’m surrounded by and the shared love to and from my wife and family.
2) I feel a thankfulness for those acquaintances met through this newsletter who always share their tips, knowledge, and general good will toward each other.
3) I also, at this time anyways, feel a sadness for all that is going on in this country right now, that seems to be dividing us more than uniting us all together.
Here’s wishing all safe travels and stays…
I agree with all three, Bill, and couldn’t have said it better myself (well, except I don’t have a spouse😉). Have a good night.🤗 –Diane
Thanks for letting me share.🙂
Of course, Bill. Anytime. I always look forward to your input on any topic. Take care.🤗 –Diane
I don’t understand how a parent can kill three beautiful children like these girls. God bless these children in heaven.