Camp Mystic arbitration ruling delayed

A high-stakes arbitration hearing that could have significantly impacted lawsuits filed against Camp Mystic ended unexpectedly Wednesday after a last-minute legal filing shifted the proceedings and shortened what was expected to be an all-day hearing into roughly an hour, with no ruling issued.  The hearing centered on whether five lawsuits against the Kerr County camp would proceed to a jury trial or be moved into private arbitration.  The camp was operating when 27 campers and counselors died during the July 4, 2025 floods.

Just before midnight Tuesday, attorneys representing Camp Mystic and the Eastland family, who owns and operates the camp, withdrew and amended their arbitration request.  The hearing was scheduled to begin about nine hours later.  Travis County Judge Maya Guerra Gamble said she had been “fully expecting” to rule on the motion, which had been pending for about a month.  She noted the amended filing appeared nearly identical to the original, describing it as a procedural “reset” that can allow parties to correct issues or delay proceedings.

Family attorneys criticized the timing of the defense’s actions.  Attorney Kyle Findley said the defense had previously attempted to withdraw the motion but only without prejudice, which plaintiffs opposed.  Plaintiff attorney Sam Taylor said he received notice of the defense’s request to stay the case Monday morning and immediately asked whether the motion would be withdrawn with prejudice.

Defense attorneys disputed that characterization, saying they never agreed to withdraw the motion with prejudice and called the filings “apples and oranges.”  They said they were prepared to argue the amended motion, but Judge Guerra Gamble declined to proceed Wednesday.  The judge also indicated sanctions could be considered against the defense team.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2026, in Travis County.  The judge ruled that any questioning of surviving campers and counselors will be limited to one attorney per side.