Coroner disputes identification of body believed to be Travis Decker as marshals push to close case

A twist in the Travis Decker case emerged Wednesday as a Chelan County coroner cast doubt on the identification of a body found in the Washington wilderness as Decker, even as U.S. Marshals moved to dismiss murder charges on the basis that he is dead. The coroner said there is no scientific confirmation that the remains are Decker, and the identification cannot be completed without DNA, fingerprints or another verifiable method. The coroner noted that while a court filing from federal marshals indicated that Decker is deceased, authorities are relying on circumstantial evidence, which cannot be used by the coroner for a positive identification. DNA testing is ongoing and could take several days.

The remains were found September 18 in a remote Washington wilderness near Leavenworth, three months after the bodies of Decker’s three daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered at a Wenatchee area campground. Investigators had concluded the girls were killed by their father after taking them from their mother on May 30. Decker, a veteran who served in the Army and the Washington National Guard, had been living out of his car and was homeless at the time he picked up the children. He had extensive wilderness survival training through his military service; authorities have noted mental health issues and a recent diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The discovery of the body near Leavenworth came after months of a large search and a manhunt that had focused on the possibility that Decker remained at large in rugged terrain.

The U.S. Marshals Service filed a motion to dismiss the murder charges against Decker, arguing that he is deceased. Sheriff Mike Morrison said his department is not in a position to make a positive identification or confirmation of Decker status and is awaiting DNA results from the state crime lab, expected within days. Morrison pledged a forthcoming press conference to provide clear answers and to ensure accuracy and integrity of the investigation. He stressed that authorities cannot move forward with a formal declaration of death or a cause of death until laboratory results are completed.

The coroner cautioned that the case rests on scientific evidence rather than circumstantial factors. In Washington, coroner offices do not release full autopsy results publicly; they are shared with law enforcement and family before any public release. The coroner added that even if the remains are Decker, determining the manner and cause of death requires laboratory confirmation, which at present is not yet available. The current environment has created tensions between federal prosecutors and local authorities over how quickly to close the case.

Earlier reporting by media including TMZ cited a federal law enforcement source who said the remains did belong to Decker based on DNA. That assertion has been disputed by the coroner, who said that until DNA and other confirmatory tests are completed, the status cannot be confirmed. The discrepancy has fueled questions about the timeline and the next steps in the case.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of how cases are closed when a suspect is believed dead but formal confirmation remains pending. The investigation has included extensive searches through the rugged terrain of central Washington, with authorities deploying dogs, aircraft and multiple agencies in pursuit of Decker. The community near Wenatchee and Leavenworth has watched for developments as families await clarity about the fate of Decker and the welfare of his daughters.

The man accused had previously faced mental health challenges and had refused mandated treatment, including court ordered mental health therapy and domestic violence counseling. He had recently been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and had been the subject of disciplinary action within the Washington National Guard before the deaths occurred. Prosecutors have not commented publicly on any new charges in light of the ongoing questions about Decker status.

Officials emphasize that results from the state crime laboratory are critical to resolving identity, manner of death and whether to proceed with any charges. The period of uncertainty has left residents and families in limbo, awaiting final findings. The investigation remains active, and authorities have promised updates as soon as verifiable results are available.