Authorities in Texas are investigating whether criminal negligence or other offenses contributed to the deaths of 27 girls and counselors at Camp Mystic during catastrophic flooding in 2025, according to newly released court documents.
Search warrants obtained by investigators last week seek electronic communications belonging to the camp’s owners. Investigators said the records could contain evidence related to possible manslaughter, negligent homicide, child abandonment and other offenses. No criminal charges have been filed against the camp or its owners.
Investigators Raise Concerns Over Camp Safety
Texas Rangers investigator Brant Johnston wrote in an affidavit that Camp Mystic had what he described as inadequate emergency preparedness measures.
According to the affidavit, the camp did not have sufficient emergency plans, had not conducted appropriate evacuation drills or emergency training, and some cabins did not have enough adult counselors to supervise campers during a rapidly developing emergency.
Investigators also allege that camp officials were monitoring flood warnings during the night but failed to move children from cabins located in areas vulnerable to flooding.
The affidavit states that young campers could not reasonably be expected to identify a rapidly worsening threat and organize an evacuation without adequate direction and supervision from adults.
Johnston wrote that investigators believe the camp was aware of a significant risk to the children but failed to take sufficient precautions.
27 People Died at Camp Mystic
The tragedy occurred before dawn on July 4, 2025, when the Guadalupe River rapidly rose above its banks during devastating flooding in central Texas.
Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian girls’ summer camp died. Camp owner Richard Eastland was also killed.
The broader flooding disaster claimed at least 136 lives along a stretch of the Guadalupe River.
Camp Mystic had operated for decades and was a long-standing summer destination for families. Camp activities included horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and Bible studies.
The camp did not reopen in 2026 and has since entered bankruptcy reorganization proceedings.
Families Seek Answers
Attorneys representing some victims’ families said they welcomed the criminal investigation and the execution of search warrants.
Lawyers for the family of camper Cile Steward said relatives had spent more than a year seeking information about what happened before and during the flooding. Steward’s body has still not been recovered.
The attorneys said families deserve detailed answers about the circumstances surrounding their children’s deaths.
Investigators Interview Witnesses
Johnston said he and other investigators have visited Camp Mystic several times and interviewed witnesses, flood survivors and people connected with the camp.
However, the affidavit says several individuals, including members of the Eastland family and other senior camp officials, declined to participate in interviews.
Camp leaders and members of the Eastland family have nevertheless appeared in court proceedings and before the Texas Legislature following the disaster.
Camp director Edward Eastland previously issued an emotional apology while discussing the tragedy.
Criminal Investigation Remains Ongoing
The search warrants represent a significant step in the investigation but do not mean prosecutors have decided to bring charges.
Investigators are seeking communications and other evidence that could help determine whether camp officials violated criminal laws or knowingly failed to take reasonable precautions before the flood.
The investigation comes as victims’ families continue to seek accountability and as authorities examine how warnings, emergency preparations and evacuation decisions were handled before the Guadalupe River overwhelmed parts of the camp.
