WENATCHEE, Wash. — A massive FBI-led search near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County has uncovered potential evidence, including bones, in the ongoing manhunt for Travis Decker, the father accused of killing his three young daughters earlier this summer. The discovery has fueled speculation about whether the remains could belong to Decker himself, though investigators caution that testing is still underway.
The multi-day search operation shut down a wide section of forest land near Leavenworth as federal agents, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement combed through dense terrain spanning over 1 million square meters. The search centered on a 200-acre stretch off Icicle Road, the same campground where Decker’s three daughters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — were found dead on June 1, 2025.
Journalist Jenni Rodas of the Wenatchee World reported that Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed bones were among the items located by search teams. However, Morrison emphasized that investigators have not yet determined whether the bones are human or animal. The FBI has since sent the remains to a laboratory for forensic testing, a process that could take weeks before results are confirmed.
“The FBI found bones in the 200-acre area they searched near Rock Island Campground,” Rodas explained, citing Sheriff Morrison. “But they’re not saying yet what exactly those bones are, or whether they’re connected to Travis Decker.”
Along with the bones, officials hinted that other pieces of evidence may have been recovered, though details remain under wraps. The FBI has not commented on whether those items could provide new leads in tracking Decker’s movements or confirming his status.
The Search for Travis Decker
Travis Decker, 36, remains one of the most wanted fugitives in the Pacific Northwest. He has been on the run since authorities discovered the bodies of his three daughters in their tent at the Rock Island Campground. The girls’ deaths were ruled homicides, and investigators quickly identified Decker as the prime suspect.
Authorities believe Decker fled on foot into the rugged wilderness surrounding Leavenworth, an area known for steep terrain, thick forests, and challenging weather conditions. Despite multiple manhunts, drone sweeps, canine units, and air surveillance, he has managed to evade capture for nearly three months.
The U.S. Marshals Service has issued a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Officials have warned that he is considered armed and dangerous, urging the public not to approach him if spotted.
A Break in the Case?
The discovery of bones has raised new questions. Could Decker have died in the wilderness after fleeing? Or do the remains belong to someone else, unrelated to the case? Investigators are not ruling out any possibilities until lab testing is complete.
For families in the area and for the relatives of Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, the uncertainty has been agonizing. While some hope the find means Decker’s days of evading capture are over, others fear it could prolong the case without bringing clear answers.
For now, the FBI continues to withhold details about what was collected from the search site. Sheriff Morrison urged patience, stressing that the investigation is ongoing and highly sensitive.
Community in Mourning, Justice Delayed
The Rock Island Campground, once a quiet family retreat, has become a site of grief and horror since the deaths of the three young sisters. Memorials with flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes remain near the site, a haunting reminder of lives lost too soon.
The community’s need for closure is growing, and the latest discovery may be a turning point in a case that has haunted Chelan County for months. Whether the bones belong to Travis Decker or not, investigators say every piece of evidence brings them one step closer to finding answers.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Travis Decker is urged to call the U.S. Marshals Service or contact local law enforcement immediately.
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