Bones found during manhunt for fugitive dad Travis Decker over murders of his 3 daughters

Authorities have discovered bones during a major search operation for Travis Decker, the Army veteran and fugitive father wanted in connection with the murders of his three young daughters.

The two-day manhunt, which concluded Tuesday, focused on campgrounds near Leavenworth, Washington. More than 100 FBI Seattle agents and local law enforcement officers took part, marking the most significant development in the nationwide search since it began in early summer, according to Fox 13 Seattle.

Decker, who has military survival training, has evaded capture since June 2, when he failed to return his daughters—Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5—to their mother after a scheduled visit. The girls were later found dead near Rock Island Campground along Icicle Creek, with bags over their heads. Autopsies determined they were suffocated, and their deaths were ruled homicides.

While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the recently discovered bones are human, the remains have been sent to Central Washington University’s anthropology department for forensic analysis.

“Search personnel recovered several items that are being examined to determine if they are related to this investigation,” the FBI said in a statement to Fox 13. “Final results will take some time.”

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison emphasized that it remains unclear whether Decker is alive or dead. He noted the impact of wildlife and environmental exposure on potential remains.

“We recognize that the potential is it’s not going to be a full skeleton,” Morrison told the outlet. “If we were to find one, there’s going to be bits and pieces, because wildlife does spread remains around.”

Authorities have already combed through 247 acres during three major search efforts and anticipate closing more trails and campgrounds as the search expands. A new large-scale operation, in coordination with federal agencies, is scheduled for September.

FBI Seattle and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.