Authorities in Washington state say they may have finally uncovered the grim end to one of the most disturbing manhunts in recent memory. Human remains found in a remote wooded area near Leavenworth are believed to be those of Travis Decker, the father accused of killing his three young daughters earlier this year.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that while positive identification is still pending, preliminary findings strongly suggest the remains belong to Decker. Officials confirmed that the discovery site was deep in the backcountry south of Leavenworth, an area notorious for its rugged terrain and difficult access.

The horrifying crime that shocked Washington

Decker, an Army veteran known for his wilderness survival skills, had been accused of suffocating his daughters—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn. Their bodies were discovered on June 2 at an abandoned campsite in the Washington Cascades, each with plastic bags over their heads. Investigators also recovered zip ties and other disturbing evidence near the scene.

The children’s mother had reported them missing just days earlier after Decker failed to return them on May 30 from what was supposed to be a routine three-hour custody visit. His abandoned truck was located near Rock Island Campground, not far from where the girls’ bodies were eventually found.

The manhunt that followed

In the weeks that followed, Decker became the focus of a massive multi-agency search effort involving drones, cadaver dogs, swift-water teams, and even GoPros deployed in treacherous terrain. Authorities feared Decker had a three-day head start and possibly hidden supplies in the wilderness.

DNA evidence collected from the plastic bags and cable ties matched Decker’s profile, with no trace of another suspect, further cementing his role in the crime. His military training and survival background added layers of complexity to the hunt, leaving officials uncertain whether he was alive and hiding or had succumbed to the elements.

Sheriff Mike Morrison had earlier told CNN that Decker likely escaped on foot after abandoning his truck, but investigators believed he left key equipment behind, raising doubts about how long he could survive.

The latest discovery

Now, with the discovery of remains in the woods, authorities may finally have their answer. The Washington State Patrol crime scene response team is processing the site, and DNA analysis will follow to confirm the identity.

For many in the community, this potential ending brings mixed emotions—closure for some, but deep sorrow that three young lives were lost in such tragic circumstances.

The case of Travis Decker has left Washington and the nation shaken, not only for the horrific nature of the crime but also for the chilling months of uncertainty that followed.

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The rugby league world has been rocked once again after bombshell text messages allegedly exchanged between Brandon Smith, hooker for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Victor Radley of the Sydney Roosters came to light. The messages, which police say will be tendered as evidence, could play a central role in Smith’s looming legal battle.

The revelations come just days before Smith is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on the Gold Coast this Thursday, where he is expected to plead not guilty to charges of unlawfully supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting.

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Alleged Texts Uncovered

According to documents obtained by investigators, the Rabbitohs star allegedly received a message from Radley’s number while enjoying a golf weekend on the Sunshine Coast. The text, police claim, read:

“G tee up your cousin in sunny coast for me. Little short ball. Short 8 ball if you will.”

The term “8 ball” is a common street reference to 3.5 grams of cocaine.

Smith reportedly replied:

“Yeah sweet bro… When do you want it?”

While the alleged texts suggest Smith helped link Radley to a supplier, police stress that no charges have been laid against Victor Radley and that there is no suggestion he acted unlawfully.

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Police Seize Smith’s Phone

Authorities allege Smith was in Sydney at the time of the exchange but later provided Radley with a contact to source “a dangerous drug namely cocaine.” Smith’s phone was reportedly seized by detectives at Gold Coast Airport on August 9.

The device is said to contain the key message chain that will form part of the brief of evidence against him. Police sources confirmed that the texts will be presented when Smith faces the magistrate later this week.

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Legal Troubles Mount

Smith’s case comes at a turbulent time for the NRL, which has faced repeated scrutiny over player behavior off the field. A conviction for drug supply would be catastrophic for both Smith’s playing career and the Rabbitohs’ reputation.

The charges include:

1. Unlawfully supplying a dangerous drug
2. Using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting

If found guilty, Smith could face a significant suspension from the NRL and possible termination of his lucrative contract.

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Rabbitohs in Crisis

The South Sydney Rabbitohs, already struggling in the season’s opening rounds, now face the additional pressure of losing one of their star recruits. Smith was expected to be a cornerstone of their rebuilding strategy. Club officials have not commented publicly, but insiders suggest the leadership group is “deeply concerned” about the allegations.

This comes just months after other off-field controversies in rugby league, raising questions about whether the sport is doing enough to address player conduct.

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Radley’s Position

For Victor Radley, the situation is also complicated. The Roosters forward has been involved in disciplinary incidents in the past, but this latest controversy may test his standing further. Police have reiterated that Radley is not facing charges, but the association with a drug investigation casts a shadow over his name.

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Wider Implications for the NRL

The NRL has long battled public perception issues tied to off-field scandals, from betting breaches to drug use. Former players and commentators argue the league must enforce stricter protocols to protect its image.

With Smith’s case now making headlines, the league will once again be forced to respond. A potential suspension, pending the court’s decision, could impact not only the Rabbitohs but also the league’s ongoing negotiations with broadcasters and sponsors.

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What Happens Next

Brandon Smith will appear at Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday. He is expected to plead not guilty, setting the stage for what could become a drawn-out legal battle.

If the alleged texts are accepted as evidence, they may form a crucial part of the prosecution’s case. Legal experts suggest that Smith’s defense will likely argue the messages have been taken out of context or misinterpreted.

Until then, both the Rabbitohs and Roosters are left grappling with the fallout, as fans and media outlets dissect every new development.

Channel Nine News reporting the explosive text messages involving Sydney Roosters player Victor Radley that will be used as police evidence when South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith fronts court on drug supply charges on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/t2TtI1CmxJ

— OBBY (@OBBY001) September 16, 2025

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Final Word

The leaked texts have already sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. Whether they ultimately prove decisive in court remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the case has placed Brandon Smith and the Rabbitohs under a spotlight they desperately wanted to avoid.

Stay with Daily Global Diary for breaking updates, court coverage, and exclusive insights into this developing story.

The AFL Brownlow Medal — one of Australian sport’s most prestigious awards — has been thrust into controversy once again. Four men have now been formally charged over alleged suspicious betting activity tied to both the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal awards, following a long-running probe into corruption within football betting.

The development was confirmed by Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit, which has been investigating irregular wagering patterns for nearly three years. While four arrests were already made in 2022, it remains unclear whether the same men are the ones who now face charges in court.

The men charged

According to police, the men charged include:

• A 34-year-old from Glenroy
• A 32-year-old from Doreen
• A 31-year-old from Hadfield
• A 35-year-old from Reservoir

The Reservoir man alone is facing 53 separate charges, with authorities alleging he used corrupt conduct information for betting purposes on 34 occasions across the 2021 and 2022 award seasons. The maximum penalty for these offenses is 10 years in jail.

Police allege that someone with knowledge of the voting tallies for certain AFL matches leaked confidential information to others, who then placed bets with inside knowledge.

What is the Brownlow Medal?

The Brownlow Medal is awarded annually to the “fairest and best” player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the regular season, as judged by match umpires. It is widely regarded as the highest individual honor in the sport.

In 2021, the medal was awarded to Ollie Wines of Port Adelaide Football Club. The following year, Patrick Cripps of the Carlton Football Club claimed the honor.

AFL’s response

The AFL has acknowledged the charges but refrained from making detailed comments, citing the matter being before the courts.

Back in 2022, Andrew Dillon, then general manager of football operations and now AFL chief executive, stated there was “no information to suggest that the outcome of the Brownlow Medal was impacted.” He clarified that the investigation focused solely on potential leaks of results after matches, rather than manipulation of votes themselves.

In a fresh statement this week, an AFL spokesperson reiterated that stance:

“As the matter is before the courts, the AFL is not in a position to provide any further comments.”

The integrity of sport at stake

For fans, the charges highlight growing concerns about gambling’s impact on sporting integrity. Betting markets around awards like the Brownlow Medal attract heavy interest each year, with millions of dollars wagered. Even the suspicion of insider information can tarnish the credibility of the league.

The Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit has been stepping up its oversight of betting patterns in all Australian codes, including AFL, rugby league, and cricket, to ensure public trust is not eroded.

What happens next?

The four men are scheduled to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 11, where the extent of their alleged involvement will be further examined.

Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the men could face not only prison terms but also significant bans from any sporting or betting activity. This could set a precedent in how Australian courts treat insider leaks in the sports gambling industry.

Why this case matters

Sport is often celebrated for its unpredictability — the thrill that anything can happen on the day. But when confidential voting tallies are allegedly shared, it undermines the very spirit of competition. For the AFL, protecting the Brownlow Medal’s reputation is critical, as it symbolizes excellence and fairness in the game.

The case has also sparked broader discussions about the risks of sports gambling, particularly as more fans and organizations rely on betting partnerships as revenue streams.

As September 11 approaches, both football fans and integrity watchdogs will be watching closely to see how this legal battle unfolds. The scandal has already cast a shadow on two of the league’s most recent award years — and the verdict could reshape the future of gambling regulations within the AFL.

Breaking: Police have charged four men, including a former AFL umpire, with various offences as part of the sports integrity investigation into irregular betting on the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal counts. https://t.co/zJXulgnUUb pic.twitter.com/fdb8geFSzj

— The Age (@theage) August 26, 2025

For now, the players who won those years, Ollie Wines and Patrick Cripps, remain celebrated champions untouched by the allegations. But the betting controversy will linger as a reminder of how fragile sporting integrity can be when financial temptation enters the game.

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