Texas mom brings vodka Jell-O shots to elementary school Christmas party, cops allege

Police arrested Teresa Isabel Bernal, a 33-year-old mother from Tyler, Texas, on April 21, 2025, after allegedly distributing vodka-laced Jell-O shots to her child’s fifth-grade Christmas party at Jones Elementary School in Tyler on December 20, 2024. She faces a felony charge of injury to a child.​

According to police reports, Bernal brought Jell-O cups to her daughter’s classroom party. Students consumed the treats, decorated with whipped cream and strawberries, before staff realized they contained alcohol. Many students reported symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches; one student vomited twice, and another fainted after consuming six shots. ​

Bernal denied she knew what the shots were; her texts say otherwise

A 33-year-old woman was taken into custody after she allegedly brought Jell-O shots to a Christmas party at an elementary school, with one student claiming that he “passed out” after a sixth cup. pic.twitter.com/0zs6aXhIvT

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) April 24, 2025

Bernal claimed she was unaware the Jell-O shots contained alcohol, stating she purchased them from a home-based sweets shop. However, the shop’s Facebook advertisement indicated the presence of vodka. After the party began, Bernal texted the vendor asking if the shots contained alcohol, to which the vendor confirmed they did. ​

According to police documents viewed by Law & Crime, “ … [S]ome of the teachers found it odd that Bernal would bring Jell-O shots to an elementary school party; they were trusting Bernal to not bring anything harmful to the school party. Bernal was an involved parent and was present at many functions at the school.”

“In looking at the photo of the Jell-O shots Bernal ordered, it clearly states the Jell-O shots contain Smirnoff,” the documents added.

Legal fallout

Authorities booked Bernal into Smith County Jail with bail set at $75,000. She posted bail and was released the same day. As of now, she has not appeared in court nor retained legal representation. 

School staff described Bernal as an involved parent frequently present at school functions. The incident has raised concerns about food safety and the importance of verifying the contents of items brought to school events.

“Tyler ISD is aware of the recent arrest of a parent in connection to an elementary holiday party last December,” the Tyler school district said in a statement after Bernal’s arrest. “At the time, a parent volunteer brought homemade Jello to the celebration, which was later found to contain alcohol.”

The statement added, “Unfortunately, some students consumed the Jello before the situation was discovered. Staff acted immediately to address the situation, informing parents and working with law enforcement. Since the incident, the parent has not been allowed back on campus and now faces legal consequences. We take this matter very seriously and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.”