Authorities say they believe they have found the remains of 32-year-old Travis Decker, just a short distance from where his three young daughters were discovered dead earlier this summer.
Decker was accused of killing 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker. Their bodies were found on June 2 at a remote campsite in Chelan County, Washington.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office told PEOPLE that remains believed to be Travis’ were discovered in a wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington.
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Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told FOX 13 Seattle the remains were located “about 0.74 miles away from the initial crime scene.” He explained that the site was not part of the original search zones but was found after investigators expanded the area.
According to a Chelan County Superior Court preliminary report cited by FOX 13, authorities believe the girls died from asphyxiation.
The case began on May 30 when the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, reported them missing after Travis failed to return them following a court-ordered visit, according to police. That search led to the discovery of Travis’ truck and later the children’s bodies.
In July, investigators confirmed that blood found at the scene matched Travis’ DNA. His belongings were also recovered nearby.
At the time the new remains were found, Travis had active warrants for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping, PEOPLE reported. He had first faced charges of custodial interference when the girls were initially reported missing.
