Breaking News: Coded Lipstick Message Uncovered in Texas Missing Girls Case

In a dramatic turn of events in the aftermath of the devastating July 4, 2025, flash floods in Kerr County, Texas, authorities have announced a chilling breakthrough in the case of the 24 missing girls from Camp Mystic. After 23 of the girls were accounted for—either rescued or tragically confirmed deceased—a coded message written in lipstick was discovered among the belongings of the final missing girl, 10-year-old Blakely McCrory. Described by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha as the “biggest breakthrough yet,” the message has sent shockwaves through the investigation, revealing a terrifying possibility that the girl’s disappearance may involve more than the natural disaster. Here’s what we know about this haunting development and its implications.

The Discovery of the Lipstick Message

The coded message was found on July 20, 2025, during a meticulous search of the waterlogged debris at Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Volunteers from Texas EquuSearch, working alongside local law enforcement, discovered the message scrawled on the inside of a small notebook tucked into Blakely’s backpack, which was recovered near the riverbank. The notebook, initially overlooked due to its damaged condition, contained a series of seemingly random letters and symbols written in bright red lipstick, a stark contrast to the mud-stained pages.

Sheriff Leitha revealed during a press conference on August 6, 2025, that the message was written in a code that appeared deliberate and not the result of childish scribbling. “This isn’t just a random note,” Leitha stated. “The use of lipstick and the structured nature of the code suggest intent. We believe Blakely left this message for a reason, and it’s our job to figure out what she was trying to tell us.” The discovery has shifted the investigation’s focus, raising questions about whether Blakely’s disappearance was solely due to the flood or if other factors, such as foul play, are at play.

Decoding the Message

The coded message, which has not been fully disclosed to the public, is being analyzed by forensic linguists and cryptographers from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Preliminary reports indicate that the code consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, possibly a substitution cipher or a more complex encryption method. Sources close to the investigation suggest that the message references a “meeting point” and a “stranger,” hinting that Blakely may have been in contact with someone outside the camp before the floods struck.

The use of lipstick as a writing medium has added to the mystery. Investigators speculate that Blakely, aware of the rising floodwaters, used the only tool available to leave a clue, possibly in a moment of desperation. “Lipstick is an unusual choice, but it’s waterproof and durable, which may explain why the message survived the flood,” said Dr. Amanda Chen, a forensic analyst assisting with the case. “It’s possible she wanted to ensure the message would be found even if the notebook was submerged.”

The terrifying aspect of the message lies in its potential implications. Early attempts to decode it have uncovered phrases that suggest Blakely may have been lured away from the safety of her cabin before the floodwaters hit. One partially decoded segment reportedly reads, “Meet at the old oak… trust no one.” This has led investigators to consider the possibility that Blakely’s disappearance is connected to an individual who exploited the chaos of the floods.

The Context of the Floods

The July 4, 2025, flash floods in Kerr County were among the deadliest in Texas history, claiming at least 82 lives, including 28 children, and leaving Camp Mystic in ruins. The Guadalupe River, swollen by nearly a foot of rain in just a few hours, surged to a record-breaking 30 feet, sweeping away cabins, vehicles, and debris. Of the 750 girls at Camp Mystic, 23 of the 24 reported missing were accounted for by July 20, with 10 confirmed deceased and 13 rescued. Blakely McCrory, an 8-year-old camper from Houston, remains the sole unaccounted-for individual.

The discovery of the lipstick message has reframed Blakely’s case, which was initially attributed to the flood’s destructive force. The notebook’s location, found nearly a mile downstream from the camp, suggests it was carried by the floodwaters, but the message’s deliberate nature raises doubts about whether Blakely was caught in the deluge or separated from the group beforehand.

Community Fear and Speculation

The revelation of the coded message has heightened fear and speculation in the tight-knit Camp Mystic community and beyond. Parents, already reeling from the loss of young campers, are grappling with the possibility that a predator may have been active during the disaster. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Jenny MacLennan, whose daughter was among those rescued. “We thought the flood was the tragedy, but now we’re wondering if something even darker was happening.”

Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with theories about the message. Some users speculate that the code points to a human trafficking ring operating in the chaos of the floods, while others believe it could be linked to a local individual known to the campers. One post on X stated, “This feels like something out of a horror movie. A little girl leaving a coded message in lipstick? That’s not just a kid lost in a flood.” However, authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumors, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and the message’s full meaning is not yet clear.

Investigative Challenges and Next Steps

Decoding the message presents significant challenges. The notebook’s exposure to water has smudged parts of the text, and the code’s complexity requires specialized expertise. The FBI has enlisted the help of cryptographers who previously worked on high-profile cases involving coded communications, such as the Zodiac Killer’s ciphers. Additionally, investigators are combing through Blakely’s interactions at camp, interviewing counselors and fellow campers to identify any unusual behavior or contacts she may have had.

The search for Blakely has intensified along the Guadalupe River, with Texas EquuSearch deploying drones and sonar-equipped boats to scan the riverbank and surrounding areas. The “old oak” mentioned in the message is believed to refer to a well-known landmark near Camp Mystic, a large oak tree used as a gathering point for camp activities. Search teams are focusing on this area, which is densely wooded and difficult to access, in hopes of finding additional clues.

Authorities are also exploring potential connections to other missing persons cases in Texas, though no definitive links have been established. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has been consulted to cross-reference the code with patterns seen in other cases, particularly those involving online predation. “We’re looking at every possibility,” said Sheriff Leitha. “This could be a tragic accident compounded by the flood, or it could be something more sinister. We won’t rest until we know the truth.”

A Community on Edge

The discovery of the lipstick message has left the Camp Mystic community and Kerr County in a state of heightened anxiety. Vigils continue to be held, with families and alumni displaying the camp’s logo alongside the Bible verse John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The camp, which has served generations of Texas families, including those of former President Lyndon Johnson and former First Lady Laura Bush, is now at the center of a mystery that has gripped the nation.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on decoding the message and finding Blakely. The possibility that her disappearance involves more than the flood has cast a shadow over the recovery efforts, with volunteers and first responders working tirelessly to bring closure to her family. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to her recovery, and tips can be submitted to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 830-896-1216 or Texas EquuSearch at 281-309-9500.

The coded lipstick message, a haunting cry for help, has transformed this case from a natural disaster into a potential criminal investigation. As authorities race to decipher its meaning, the nation watches, hoping for answers that will bring Blakely home—or at least reveal the terrifying truth behind her disappearance.