Sad Development In Case Of 11-Year-Old Girl Who Disappeared While Heading To School
In a heartbreaking development, the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from Texas was found on Tuesday afternoon. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons announced at a press conference that Audrii was discovered in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston.
Sheriff Lyons, deeply affected by the news, committed to thoroughly examining the evidence to seek justice for Audrii. Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton stated that arrest warrants are being prepared for Don Steven McDougal, 42, in connection with her disappearance, with potential charges of capital murder.
McDougal had been arrested on unrelated charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Friday, which led to increased scrutiny as investigators attempted to get his cooperation regarding Audrii’s case. Lt. Craig Cummings of the Texas Department of Public Safety in Southeast Texas highlighted that McDougal, who was likely the last person to see Audrii, had several chances to assist with the investigation.
During a press briefing on Monday, Sheriff Lyons urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions and to respect the ongoing investigation. Audrii was supposed to board her school bus on February 15 but never arrived, which initiated the search that led to this tragic outcome.
McDougal lived in a camper behind Audrii’s home and had occasionally helped her get to the bus stop or school, according to Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, in a recent interview with FOX 26 Houston.
Authorities are working to reconstruct McDougal’s activities on the morning of February 15. Sheriff Lyons mentioned that McDougal has consented to guide investigators to specific locations following his arrest.
The case prompted a statewide Amber Alert on February 16, which intensified the search for Audrii. Sheriff Lyons later suggested that a backpack discovered near the Livingston Dam might belong to her, adding complexity to the investigation.
McDougal’s criminal record includes various charges, from child enticement to assault and evading arrest, dating back to the early 2000s. Investigators are requesting the public’s help in providing any video footage from FM 3126 in Polk County between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on February 15, hoping it will provide key insights into the case.
The community is in mourning over the loss of Audrii Cunningham, and authorities continue to seek public assistance to piece together the details of this tragic event.