• Travis Decker, accused of killing his three daughters, is declared deceased by the U.S. Marshals.
• Remains found in Washington state confirmed to be those of Decker through DNA testing.
• The girls were discovered dead in May, prompting a large-scale manhunt for Decker.
• Authorities await final DNA test results to officially confirm Decker's identity.
• Decker's ex-wife has expressed gratitude for law enforcement's efforts during the investigation.

Travis Decker, a 32-year-old Army veteran accused of murdering his three daughters, has been declared dead by the U.S. Marshals Service after remains were found in a remote area of Washington state. The remains, located on September 18 near Leavenworth, were initially discovered during a search operation following a months-long manhunt that began after the girls' bodies were found in late May. Prosecutors have filed to dismiss charges against him following this declaration, although local law enforcement is still awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity, according to CBS News, India Times, and ABC News.

The skeletal remains were discovered along with personal items, leading officials to speculate that they belong to Decker, although confirming the identity through scientific testing is necessary. Chelan County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mike Morrison stated, "We are currently awaiting DNA test results from the state Crime Lab," indicating that DNA confirmation is crucial for the ongoing investigation, according to India Times and ABC News.

Decker was accused of the deaths of his daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), whose bodies were found three days after they disappeared while on a visit with their father. The authorities ruled their deaths homicides caused by suffocation, with disturbing details including the use of zip ties and plastic bags, as noted in the allegations against him. Following the gruesome discovery, a significant manhunt was launched, the largest in Chelan County's history, which included various agencies and substantial community involvement, as reported by CBS News and ABC News.

While his ex-wife expressed relief that the remains were identified as Decker's, they also highlighted the struggles he faced in recent years, including mental health issues that affected his parenting and stability. Arianna Cozart, her attorney, stated, "We continue to be grateful for law enforcement's efforts in this case," showcasing the emotional toll on the family during this difficult period, according to India Times and ABC News.