FBI Clears Up Confusion in Travis Decker Manhunt: Bones Found Not Human

In the latest development of the three-month search for fugitive father Travis Decker, the FBI has confirmed that bones discovered during a recent grid search were not human remains. W. Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle field office, released a statement Wednesday explaining that experts from Central Washington University had examined the bones recovered during the August 25-26 search operation and determined they were of animal origin. This clarification comes amid an intensive manhunt for Decker, who is wanted for the alleged murder of his three young daughters. The search continues for the Army veteran with survival expertise who has managed to evade law enforcement since early June, with authorities offering a substantial reward for information leading to his capture.

The 250-acre search operation at Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, while not yielding direct evidence of Decker’s whereabouts, did provide investigators with additional information to aid their ongoing investigation. “This extensive search was just one step in a three-month process by a variety of agencies to locate Travis Decker, discover signs of his whereabouts or find any evidence of the murder of his three daughters,” Herrington stated in the FBI’s release. Despite the massive efforts involving multiple law enforcement agencies, officials remain unable to determine whether Decker is alive or dead, according to an FBI spokesperson who communicated with Fox News Digital on Thursday. The lack of conclusive evidence in either direction has complicated the manhunt that has now stretched into its fourth month.

The tragic case began unfolding on June 2 when Decker failed to return his daughters – Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) – to their mother after a scheduled visitation. In a heart-wrenching discovery, the children’s bodies were later found near Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek with bags placed over their heads. Subsequent autopsies confirmed the girls died from suffocation, with their deaths officially ruled as homicides. This devastating crime has fueled an intense multi-agency effort to locate Decker, who authorities believe may be utilizing his military training and survival skills to remain hidden in the wilderness or elsewhere. The U.S. Marshals Service has offered up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest, emphasizing that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The search for Decker has involved numerous tactical operations, including last week’s extensive grid search that temporarily raised hopes when bones were discovered. Law enforcement agencies have been methodically working through every lead and potential sighting, coordinating resources across jurisdictions to cast the widest possible net. While this particular search did not result in locating Decker, authorities remain committed to the investigation, with Herrington noting, “While we do not anticipate further updates related to this specific search, the investigation continues.” The FBI has been working in close coordination with local law enforcement, including the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the Wenatchee Police Department, though neither agency immediately responded to requests for additional comment.

The case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the alleged crimes but also because of Decker’s apparent ability to evade capture. As an Army veteran with specialized training, Decker potentially possesses skills that make him particularly adept at wilderness survival and evasion tactics. This has complicated search efforts, requiring law enforcement to cover vast areas of difficult terrain while also considering the possibility that he may have fled the region entirely. Despite several possible sightings reported over the past months, including some that triggered massive police responses, authorities have yet to make a confirmed contact with the fugitive, leaving the case in a frustrating limbo for investigators and the victims’ family alike.

As the manhunt extends into its fourth month, authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings or information that might lead to Decker’s whereabouts. The substantial reward offered by the U.S. Marshals Service reflects the high priority placed on bringing him into custody. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of the three young girls whose lives were tragically cut short. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the challenges law enforcement faces when pursuing suspects with specialized training and knowledge of remote areas. While this particular search operation did not yield the breakthrough investigators had hoped for, the FBI and partner agencies remain determined in their efforts to bring closure to this heartbreaking case and justice for Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.