Travis County judge bars Camp Mystic from touching buildings where 27 died

After three days of testimony, Travis County Judge Maya Guerra Gamble has chosen to uphold her initial ruling barring Camp Mystic from using or altering buildings where 27 campers and counselors died in the July 4th floodwaters.  The temporary injunction was originally filed by the legal team for the family of Cile Steward who has yet to be recovered.  The request was to preserve the buildings and grounds in the Guadalupe portion of the camp as the legal team said they needed evidence for their civil lawsuit filed against several defendants, including Camp Mystic.

Judge Guerra Gamble initially made her ruling in March but after an appeal by Camp Mystic’s legal team and emergency hearing by the legal team for the Stewards the judge and legal teams agreed to finish out three additional days of witness testimony.

Both legal teams agreed on Wednesday to release the Sugar Shack from the temporary injunction under the condition that those living inside of it don’t alter any possible evidence.  Judge Guerra Gamble also said the defendants potentially violated Texas administrative code by failing to maintain a written evacuation plan or provide documented safety training, which “supports a finding of negligence per se.”

The hearing concluded with the legal teams working out future meeting dates between themselves and Judge Guerra Gamble.  The first trial will start in 2027.  The surviving campers, counselors and staff will only be deposed once and it will be recorded.  They will not testify before a jury.