FBI: Bones found in Rock Island Campground search not human

YAKIMA — Federal and local authorities recovered bones later determined not to be human during a two-day search last week near Rock Island Campground as part of the ongoing manhunt for fugitive Travis Decker, the FBI said Wednesday.

The search, conducted Aug. 25–26, covered nearly 250 acres of rugged terrain outside Leavenworth. The operation involved FBI Seattle and multiple partner agencies, including the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

“During the search, personnel recovered multiple bones, including those that required additional examination to determine if they were animal or human,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Central Washington University has reviewed the bones and assessed that they are not human.”

The FBI said the effort was one step in a three-month campaign by multiple agencies to locate Decker, find evidence of his whereabouts, or uncover material connected to the murder of his three daughters, whose bodies were discovered near the campground in June.

“In two days, the search team cleared almost 250 acres by carefully covering rough terrain on foot, and further efforts can build on the knowledge we gained through the electronic mapping of the area,” Herrington said.

Decker, who remains at large, is considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to his arrest.

“If you see Travis Decker, please call 911 immediately and do not attempt to contact or approach him,” the FBI said in its statement.

Investigators urged anyone with information to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.