Camp Mystic Flood Trial: Security Guard's Testimony Raises Questions About Evacuation Efforts During the ongoing trial concerning the Camp Mystic flooding tragedy, new testimony from a security guard on duty during the early morning hours of July 4 provided a detailed account of the unfolding disaster. Glenn Juenke described efforts to evacuate young campers from cabins, including the Wiggle Inn, and his decision to shelter in place due to dangerous rising water levels. His testimony, however, also prompted intense questioning regarding why some campers, specifically eight-year-old Cile Steward, did not receive the same evacuation instructions. The defense suggested a failure in leadership for not issuing a broader evacuation order, leading to fatalities, while the prosecution pressed on the specific actions of the night guard. Further testimony from Catie Eastland described the severity of the floodwaters as an "inland tsunami" and discussed prior knowledge of flood lines. The courtroom was once again the scene of intense scrutiny for Camp Mystic staff members this week as they faced further questioning regarding the devastating flooding incident that occurred last summer. A pivotal moment in the proceedings came with the introduction of new testimony from Glenn Juenke, a security guard who was present in the early morning hours of July 4 when floodwaters began their rapid and destructive rise. This marks the first time jurors have heard directly from Juenke, who was identified in court as a night guard at the camp. Juenke recounted his actions during the crisis, detailing how he assisted in evacuating girls from the Wiggle Inn to higher ground. However, under rigorous questioning from attorneys, he was pressed on the critical issue of why other campers, most notably eight-year-old Cile Steward, apparently did not receive similar instructions to evacuate. An attorney directly challenged Juenke by asking, “Well, your girls that you said to go up to sky high got there, didn't they?” Juenke's stark reply, “No sir, they are not dead,” underscored the gravity of the situation and the differing outcomes. Describing the chaotic chain of events that transpired on July 4, Juenke stated that he was working alongside longtime camp director Dick Eastland and Eastland’s son, Edward. Together, they attempted to evacuate the youngest cabins. Juenke explained that the escalating water levels made it exceedingly perilous to move the girls. Consequently, he made the difficult decision to keep them inside their cabin and implement a shelter-in-place strategy. Testifying to the outcome of this decision, Juenke confirmed that all the girls in that particular cabin survived the ordeal. Tragically, Dick Eastland later lost his life while attempting to rescue other campers. Juenke vividly conveyed his state of mind during the ordeal, stating, “I was terrified that I was going to lose one of those kids. I felt as if one of them got out we all would go. It was that bad.” Attorneys representing the Steward family focused their questioning on Juenke's account, specifically probing why their daughter did not receive the same warning and evacuation instructions. They strongly argued that the responsibility for this failure ultimately rested with Dick Eastland. In a pointed exchange, an attorney stated, “He didn't give that order did he.” The questioning continued with the assertion, “Everyone that died, died because of that failure, right?” This line of questioning aimed to establish a direct link between leadership decisions and the tragic loss of life. Further testimony was provided by Catie Eastland, who was questioned about the delayed arrival of assistance. She explained that Highway 39, a crucial access route, was rendered impassable by the floodwaters, describing the event as an “inland tsunami” due to its sudden and overwhelming force. Catie Eastland also revealed that Dick Eastland had previously informed staff about the highest flood line recorded to date, which was “the underside of the dining hall called Casa Rio.” This testimony may be relevant to understanding preparedness and historical flood data. Looking ahead, the judge is expected to issue a ruling on which evidence at the camp must be preserved for future examination. Simultaneously, the camp's application to reopen is undergoing review by state regulators, indicating a complex path forward for Camp Mystic in the wake of this disaster. The legal proceedings continue to unravel the critical moments of the tragedy, seeking accountability and answers for the families affected by the flooding