Authorities searching for Travis Decker have discovered bones near the Rock Island Campground in Washington, according to ABC 4.
Police have been looking for Decker since June 2, when the bodies of his three daughters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 — were found near Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek in Leavenworth, Washington.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said the remains have been sent to Central Washington University’s anthropology department for forensic testing. Experts will work to determine whether the bones are human and if they are connected to the search for Decker, who is suspected of murdering his children.
Newsweek contacted the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department and Central Washington University’s anthropology department for comment.
Decker, an Army veteran known for his wilderness survival skills, has been on the run for nearly three months. The discovery of bones could be the first real breakthrough in the nationwide search.
The investigation began after Decker failed to return his daughters to their mother following a scheduled visitation in early June. Their bodies were later found near his abandoned truck.
According to ABC 4, the bones were found during a coordinated grid search of the area. At first, investigators could not tell if they were human. Earlier this week, FBI Seattle concluded a two-day search around the campground with more than 100 personnel covering about 247 acres.
Autopsies determined the girls had died from suffocation and ruled the deaths homicides. Investigators also found plastic bags and cable ties at the scene. On August 6, the Washington State Crime Lab confirmed Decker’s DNA was on the bags covering each child’s head and on the cable ties.
The FBI said in a statement that several items recovered during the latest search are being examined. They explained that results will take time, but stressed that searching an area multiple times can be valuable, especially in difficult terrain.
Sheriff Morrison told KOMO News that the bones were discovered by one of the search teams. Because it was unclear if they were animal or human remains, they were sent to Central Washington University for confirmation.
Forensic testing may take weeks. If the remains are human, DNA analysis will be used to determine their identity.
Authorities continue to warn that Decker is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately and not approach him.
People with information are urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-800-336-0102 or submit a tip at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
