On September 25, 2025, CBS News reported that Travis Decker, accused of killing his three daughters, was declared dead by U.S. Marshals, leading prosecutors to drop charges against him. This update follows the discovery of remains believed to be Decker’s in Washington state, which authorities are still testing for DNA confirmation.
- Charges against Travis Decker to be dropped.
- Remains believed to be Decker's found in Washington.
- Decker accused of killing three daughters in 2023.
- Autopsy confirmed girls died by suffocation.
- Decker's mental health reportedly worsened before disappearance.
- Authorities continue waiting for DNA test results.
In September 2025, authorities found a decomposed body in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington. The remains, discovered by drone on September 18, included bone fragments, clothing, and personal items. The body was in a mountainous, trail-less area, about a three-hour hike from the nearest access point. DNA tests are pending to confirm if the remains belong to Travis Decker, a 32-year-old former Army soldier accused of killing his three daughters in May. Prosecutors have moved to dismiss charges against him after the U.S. Marshals Service informed them of his death. The girls—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were found suffocated at a campsite in the Cascade Mountains three days after their father failed to return them to their mother, following a scheduled visit. The mother reported the girls missing on May 30, prompting a search that led to the discovery of their bodies and Decker’s truck. Authorities previously confirmed DNA evidence identified Decker as the sole suspect in the murders. Despite ongoing investigations, police believe Decker may have died or left the area by late June. The remains are still undergoing testing to establish their identity definitively.
- Await DNA test results to confirm if remains are Decker’s.
- Continue investigation into Decker’s whereabouts and possible death.
- Assess the impact of Decker’s death on the ongoing legal and family proceedings.
- Monitor updates from law enforcement regarding the case’s closure and future actions.
With Decker’s presumed death, authorities may close the case, but questions remain about his final fate and the full circumstances of the girls’ deaths. The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health and stability in family violence situations, prompting further review of custody and mental health support systems.
