In a stunning twist that is sending shockwaves across Texas and beyond, police confirmed Monday evening that a GPS signal unexpectedly sent from the personal device of the Camp Mystic owner led rescue teams to a remote, partially flooded woodland area — where they discovered what could be the hiding place of more than half of the 27 girls reported missing after the devastating floods.
The signal was received just before 2:00 a.m. on Monday, triggering an urgent response from local authorities. The coordinates pointed to a previously unsearched zone located nearly 5 miles from the main campgrounds — an area that had been written off due to heavy flooding and impassable terrain.
According to law enforcement sources, the GPS ping came from a device registered to Robert “Bobby” Claremont, the long-time owner and director of Camp Mystic. Claremont, who has not been seen publicly since early last week, is currently under police protection and being questioned by state investigators.
Upon arriving at the site, the search team made a chilling discovery: scattered items of clothing, torn backpacks, and what one official described as a “makeshift shelter system” constructed out of wood, tarps, and food crates. Several thermal cameras picked up signs of recent human activity, and trained dogs signaled strongly at multiple underground spots nearby.
“There’s no doubt in our minds — the girls were here,” said Lt. Marissa Green of the Texas Search and Rescue Task Force. “The scent traces, the belongings, and the GPS location all match. We’re following up on fresh leads as we speak.”
Family members of the missing children, many of whom have camped out at a nearby Red Cross shelter, were notified of the discovery early this morning. Several broke down in tears upon hearing that hope may not be lost.
The FBI has now joined the investigation, focusing on how Claremont’s GPS device was activated — and why it was transmitting from an area where officials suspect someone had tried to conceal traces of human presence.
“The circumstances are unusual, even suspicious,” said Special Agent Karla Vance of the FBI. “But right now, our priority is the safe recovery of every missing child.”
As of Tuesday morning, 16 girls remain unaccounted for, though officials believe some may have moved on foot through the forest during the flood’s initial chaos.
No foul play has been confirmed, but sources close to the case describe the situation as “rapidly evolving” and potentially “far more complex than a natural disaster.”
This story is developing. Updates to follow.