Sheriff Morrison, County Coroner Waiting for DNA Confirmation Remains Found are Deckers

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office is currently awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity of Travis Decker, who has been declared deceased by the U. S. Marshals Service. Sheriff Morrison stated that the office cannot positively identify Decker until the state Crime Lab provides its findings. The county coroner, Wayne Harris, clarified that scientific methods, such as DNA analysis, are essential for establishing a positive identification.

The skeletal remains recovered have been evaluated by a forensic anthropologist, who is providing samples for DNA comparison. To expedite the process, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab will test a sample of the bones to establish a positive match. A press conference will be held once the DNA results are confirmed to share findings with the media and the public. Harris noted that the cause and manner of death may never be determined. The ongoing investigation highlights the importance of scientific verification in cases involving unidentified remains.