CAMP MYSTIC, TEXAS — In a sudden and potentially crucial breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 27 girls from Camp Mystic, police have confirmed that a K9 unit detected a strong, unusual odor coming from a sewer line behind the camp’s main kitchen facility.
The alert occurred during a routine sweep of the area early this morning, when a trained police dog stopped abruptly near a rusted section of pipe embedded into the back wall of the kitchen’s exterior drainage system.
“The dog’s reaction was immediate — it signaled strongly and refused to leave the spot,” said one officer on scene.
“We knew we had to take a closer look.”
What Was Found
Upon further inspection, officers broke open the lower portion of the pipe, which had been partially clogged and covered by overgrowth. Inside, they found a small bundle wrapped in plastic and cloth, wedged deep into the bend of the drainage.
The bundle contained:
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A torn piece of uniform fabric consistent with those issued to campers
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A bracelet made of colored thread and plastic beads, similar to those made during camp arts-and-crafts sessions
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A single child’s sock, damp and partially decayed
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A handwritten note — badly damaged by water, but a few legible words could still be seen:
“Don’t forget… we hid…”
The note has been sent to forensics for preservation and analysis. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the items are directly connected to any of the 27 missing girls but described the discovery as “significant.”
Growing Questions
The sewer system behind the kitchen had not been previously searched in depth due to incomplete architectural records of the camp, which date back several decades.
“This area was hidden in plain sight,” said Detective Maria Keene.
“If the items were placed intentionally, it raises more questions — about who knew that space existed, and why it was used.”
Families Briefed, Area Sealed Off
Families of the missing children were privately informed about the discovery earlier this afternoon. The area behind the kitchen has now been sealed off, and additional excavation equipment is being brought in to determine if the pipe system connects to other hidden or underground areas.
What’s Next?
Investigators are expanding their search to adjacent drainage paths and access tunnels near the main kitchen. They are also re-examining employee and construction records to understand who had access to that portion of the camp — and whether similar hiding places exist elsewhere.
“This could be nothing. Or it could be the start of a much deeper trail,” one officer said.
As search efforts continue and pressure grows to find answers, today’s discovery marks a new and urgent chapter in the mystery surrounding Camp Mystic — and brings renewed hope that the truth may yet be uncovered.