Texas Rangers probe possible manslaughter in Camp Mystic flood tragedy that killed 27 girls
Texas investigators have secured search warrants for Camp Mystic owners' communications as they examine manslaughter, negligent homicide and other possible crimes tied to the 27 girls who perished in the July 2025 Guadalupe River flood.
In an affidavit, Texas Ranger Brant Johnston described Camp Mystic's lack of emergency procedures, insufficient adult supervision and the decision to keep children in low-lying cabins even after flood alerts, concluding the camp knowingly ignored a grave risk of death. Search warrants executed last week target the electronic communications of the camp's owners to uncover potential manslaughter, negligent homicide, child abandonment or related crimes.
The July 4, 2025 flood of the Guadalupe River killed 25 campers, two teenage counselors and owner Richard Eastland, prompting the camp to file for bankruptcy. Attorneys for victims' families welcomed the warrants but argued the information should have been provided earlier. Some members of the Eastland family and senior camp staff have refused to be interviewed, although camp director Edward Eastland has testified and offered a public apology.
Why it matters
The investigation seeks accountability for a disaster that killed dozens of children and could set precedent for camp safety standards.
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