Authorities have discovered bones during the ongoing manhunt for Travis Decker, the prime suspect in the murders of his three young daughters. The two-day search near Leavenworth, Washington, concluded Tuesday (August 26), involving over 100 FBI Seattle agents and local law enforcement. This marks the first significant development in the nationwide hunt that has captivated the public since early summer.

Decker, an Army veteran with extensive survival training, has evaded capture for nearly three months. He is wanted on three counts of first-degree murder and kidnapping following the deaths of his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. The girls were found suffocated with bags over their heads at a campsite near Rock Island Campground on June 2, three days after being reported missing by their mother.

While initial assessments could not confirm if the bones are human, they have been sent for forensic testing at Central Washington University's anthropology department. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison noted that wildlife and environmental factors make it rare to recover a complete skeleton.

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force has taken over the search, deploying personnel and overseeing investigations. Despite the challenging terrain, law enforcement has searched over 247 acres. The FBI emphasized the importance of multiple searches in difficult conditions, stating that the discovery of potential evidence highlights the value of their efforts.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Decker's arrest. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or call 911. Decker is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Bill Handel