INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED: Woodville PD Launches Inquiry Into School Burn Incident

Story: Sal Baldovinos

WOODVILLE, TX — May 21, 2025

Woodville Police Chief Mike McCulley has confirmed that a formal investigation is underway following multiple reports from parents alleging that students were injured during a pre-athletics class at Woodville ISD Middle School on May 19.

According to Chief McCulley, the initial complaints were received late Monday afternoon, when an officer was dispatched to Tyler County Hospital to meet with parents of several children being treated for hand injuries. These injuries were reported to have occurred during a school-directed activity.

The officer began a report based on the information gathered at the ER. Contact with the Woodville ISD superintendent was made the following morning, and the department is now actively collecting all related information and conducting interviews with involved parties. A report has also been submitted to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services hotline, as required under Texas law for potential child welfare concerns.

Chief McCulley stated that a background check is being conducted on individuals involved and that all facts will be turned over to the Tyler County District Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of any potential criminal charges.

In a statement to the

community, Chief McCulley urged patience:

“Our agency will continue to investigate this incident and utilize any investigative resources to assist in gathering all the facts in this case. Once all available facts can be gathered, the information will be forwarded to the Tyler County District Attorney’s Office... It is very important that these types of cases are not tried in the court of public opinion—i.e., social media—but rather in the courts as intended.”

We will continue to provide updates as the investigation develops.