UPDATE: September 24 at 10:05 a.m.
Travis Decker is dead, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said that DNA evidence has not confirmed Decker’s death. When it is, they said they would schedule a press conference.
Their full statement is below:
“We’re awaiting DNA confirmation. Once the DNA is received and confirmed, then we will be scheduling a press conference. We cannot confirm by DNA yet.”
The court documents containing the U.S. Marshals Service’s confirmation of Decker’s death was dated September 23, 2025.
Travis Decker is deceased: Motion to dismiss complaint and quash arrest warrant
UPDATE: September 19 at 7:02 p.m.
Across the nation, countless people have awaited news following the discovery of human remains that authorities stated may be those of accused killer Travis Decker.
Sheriff Mike Morrison held a press conference near the discovery site on Friday, stating, “The shirt we saw on scene is a match for what Travis was last seen wearing.”
No DNA confirmation has been obtained yet, but further evidence was found.
“US Ranger shorts… some personal items to include chewing tobacco… a bracelet… consistent with photos of what we’ve seen him wearing,” Morrison noted.
The sheriff expressed the need for careful handling of the evidence.
“We’re hopeful we will get those results back soon,” he said.
The remains were decomposed and scattered, likely due to animal activity. Additional remains, including two feet, some femurs and vertebrae, were found and sent to the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab.
The search effort was extensive, involving multiple agencies like the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and aided by the U.S. Marshals Service. Morrison mentioned the remains were located “off a beaten path” using AI technology with drones.
The sheriff stated the area had not been previously searched, raising questions about search coverage. The investigation continues as authorities await lab results to bring closure to the victims’ families.
UPDATE: September 18 at 9:35 p.m.
Sheriff Morrison shared new details in an interview with Fox 13 Seattle about the discovery of what is believed to be Decker’s decomposed body.
The body was found off the beaten path, about 0.74 miles from the initial crime scene.
According to Morrison, the body was scattered, showing signs that animals may have disturbed it before discovery.
The identification is based on clothing and other items found at the site.
Efforts to expedite DNA testing are underway, with hopes for results from the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab soon.
Morrison plans to hold a press conference Friday evening to provide further updates.
CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced on Thursday evening that human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker have been discovered.
The remains were found in a wooded area south of Leavenworth during a search effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force in collaboration with the CCSO, Washington State Patrol (WSP), Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and other agencies.
According to the CCSO, the remains have not yet been positively identified, but “preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Travis Decker.”
CCSO officials are working with WSP personnel to process the scene and await DNA analysis.
Law enforcement has informed the Decker family and requested privacy and respect for them during this time.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: September 18 at 9:35 p.m.
