You know what they say: There’s three sides to every story. Theirs, yours, and the truth! When it comes to an El Paso mom’s story, we’re starting to get more details on HER side of the story, through a press release sent by her attorneys.

Follow-Up: Indictment of Single Mother in Camp Cohen Tragedy Sparks Controversy

Last week, I, along with other local media outlets, reported that Jessica Weaver was indicted for the tragic drowning death of her 3-year-old son at Camp Cohen Water Park on May 13, 2023. The charge alleges she intentionally or knowingly caused serious bodily injury to her child. However, evidence brought to light in a civil lawsuit raises serious concerns about the accountability of the water park’s management during the incident.

Courtesy: EPPD
Courtesy: EPPD
loading...

Receipts Were Provided By Jessica Weavers Attorneys:

Local media outlets, including myself, received an email from representatives of Webster Vicknair MacLeod, the law firm representing Jessica Weaver. The email stated:

"I’m reaching out on behalf of Webster Vicknair MacLeod to share our firm’s latest press release regarding Jessica Weaver and the Camp Cohen Water Park tragedy after seeing your recent article on her case. The statement highlights key operational failures at Camp Cohen and addresses why Jessica Weaver has been unfairly targeted. We believe this information provides important context for your reporting."

According to the deposition, lifeguards were allegedly tasked with preparing churros instead of monitoring swimmers. Key safety protocols were either overlooked or absent altogether, and the park’s "soft opening" reportedly came with little to no proper training for staff. Despite these critical failures, Jessica Weaver appears to have been singled out, raising questions about the true accountability in this tragedy.

This story continues to unfold as more information is being provided. Keep reading for a closer look at the evidence presented and the legal battle ahead.

Delayed Indictment and Lack of Evidence

According to the deposition, Former District Attorney Bill Hicks, who announced the charge in September 2023, allowed 464 days to pass before Jessica Weaver was indicted. Despite the indictment, there is no evidence that Ms. Weaver intentionally or knowingly caused her son’s death. Instead, significant evidence points to negligence by ASM Global, LLC, the company contracted by the City of El Paso to manage Camp Cohen Water Park.

Negligence by Water Park Management

Testimonies from the civil lawsuit filed by Ms. Weaver on June 30, 2023, reveal details about the water park’s operations on the day of the tragedy:

  • Supervisors Unavailable: Key managers, including the site manager and aquatics supervisor, were in the kitchen handling concessions during the drowning.
  • Untrained Lifeguards: The lifeguard who noticed Anthony struggling was a 17-year-old working his first day on the job with minimal supervision.
  • Previous Incidents Overlooked: A child had already been rescued earlier that day, but many staff members were unaware of the incident.

Claims of Misplaced Priorities

ASM Global staff testified that lifeguard leads were reassigned to kitchen duties, leaving pools inadequately supervised. Deposition statements describe the water park as chaotic, overcrowded, and understaffed on its “soft opening” day.

Questioning the Indictment

Critics argue that Bill Hicks, who recently lost re-election, used the indictment as a political move while ignoring overwhelming evidence of negligence by ASM Global. The indictment claims Anthony’s death was due to Ms. Weaver not providing a life jacket, yet fails to acknowledge that personal life jackets were prohibited, and the park’s life jacket policies were unclear.

Seeking Justice

As the civil case continues, Ms. Weaver maintains her commitment to uncovering the truth about what happened that day. 

The El Paso community is left grappling with difficult questions: Was justice served in the indictment of a grieving mother, or has accountability for a preventable tragedy been misdirected?

Share Your Thoughts through the KISS-FM Mobile App!

93.1 KISS FM logo
Get our free mobile app


PHOTOS: Texas Mom Indicted After a Water Park Visit Gone Wrong

Gallery Credit: Webster Vicknair MacLeod

Top 5 Safety Tips for Kids at Water Parks

Gallery Credit: CANVA

More From 93.1 KISS FM