Sheriff Describes Condition of Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker’s

More details are emerging about the discovery of human remains police believe belong to Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters earlier this year.

Travis, 32, disappeared with his daughters Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, in May following a court-ordered visitation. The girls were reported missing by their mother Whitney Decker on May 30.

Investigators later found the girls’ remains near a remote campground in Chelan County, Wash. on June 2, prompting an extensive — what would become months-long — manhunt for Travis.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office revealed they found remains this week that they believe belong to Travis, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

Sheriff Mike Morrison shared further details of the circumstances surrounding the discovery with FOX 13.

He told the outlet that the remains were in a state of “severe decomposition.”

“We also had a spread of the remains, which is consistent with animals getting into it, which we figured we would find if we were at this point of the search,” he added.

Morrison also told the outlet that the remains believed to be Travis’ were found less than a mile from where the bodies of the girls were found in June.

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While authorities say they have strong reasons to believe the remains belong to Travis, Morrison reiterated in his interview to FOX 13 that they are still awaiting lab results for a 100% certainty.

Further details such as the cause of death remain in question.

A preliminary report previously cited by Fox 13 said the girls likely died from asphyxiation.

Warrants were issued for Travis for murder and kidnapping in connection with his daughters’ deaths.