Authorities are working to confirm if a man suspected of killing his three daughters is actually dead.
Travis Decker, 32, was wanted for the deaths of his daughters: 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia. The girls were last seen on May 30th during a visit with their father. Their bodies were discovered a few days later at a campsite.
After a search, the U.S. Marshals Service said that Decker was dead. However, the local coroner, Wayne Harris, said that his office needs more proof before making a final decision. He explained that they need to use scientific methods, like DNA or fingerprints, to be sure.
The U.S. Marshals based their conclusion on the discovery of human remains. These remains were found in a wooded area.
Coroner Harris said the remains will be tested. He stated that the tests would help verify if the remains belong to Decker. The sheriff’s office is helping to speed up the DNA testing.
Even with the U.S. Marshals’ declaration, the local sheriff’s office is waiting for DNA confirmation before dropping the charges against Decker.
Whitney Decker, the girls’ mother, spoke at a memorial service for her daughters. She expressed her hope that her daughters’ memory would live on in everyone’s hearts.
