Camp Mystic is currently under a criminal investigation that might lead to charges such as manslaughter or negligent homicide following the deaths of 27 girls during severe flooding in Texas last year, according to court documents.
In search warrant applications executed recently, investigators sought the electronic communications of the camp’s owners, believing these could reveal evidence of potential crimes, including manslaughter, negligent homicide, and child abandonment.
So far, no charges have been filed, and a representative for the camp did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Brant Johnston, an investigator with the Texas Rangers, noted in an affidavit that the camp had inadequate emergency management plans, did not perform necessary emergency drills, and in some cabins, there were not enough adult counselors present. According to Johnston, despite being aware of late-night flood warnings, the camp’s owners took no steps to relocate children from vulnerable cabins.
Johnston emphasized that “young campers cannot reasonably be expected to independently recognize a rapidly developing, life-threatening hazard or to organize and execute an evacuation” without proper guidance from a sufficient number of adult supervisors. He added that the camp was aware of the significant risk to the campers and chose to ignore it.
On July 4, 2025, 25 campers and two teenage counselors tragically lost their lives as the Guadalupe River overflowed late at night.
The operator of Camp Mystic, Richard Eastland, also perished in the flood.
Camp Mystic had been a summer tradition for decades, beloved by families who sent their daughters to enjoy activities like horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and Bible studies. However, it did not reopen this year and has since filed for bankruptcy reorganization.
The devastating flooding resulted in the deaths of at least 136 people along the river, raising serious concerns about what could have gone wrong.
Attorneys representing some of the victims’ families expressed their support for the search warrants but mentioned that such measures should not have been necessary in the first place. “For more than a year, families of the 27 angels lost at Camp Mystic have fought, begged, and pleaded with the Eastland family for accountability and answers,” stated Christina Yarnell and Brad Beckworth, attorneys for Cile Steward’s family.
They continued, “Instead, the Eastlands have held hostage the information and answers that parents deserve, as they should know the details surrounding their daughters’ final moments.” It is noteworthy that Steward’s body has yet to be recovered.
In the search warrant, Johnston mentioned conducting several visits to Camp Mystic and interviewing witnesses and others connected to the camp. However, some individuals, including members of the Eastland family and top camp officials, refused to be interviewed.
Despite this, the Eastland family and other camp leaders have provided testimonies in court and at the state Legislature since the flood, with camp director Edward Eastland offering a heartfelt apology.
