The disappearance and tragic death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham have left the community of Livingston, Texas in shock and mourning. Audrii was reported missing on February 15, 2024, after she failed to show up for school. After five days of intense search efforts, authorities made the heartbreaking discovery of Audrii’s body in the Trinity River.
On February 20, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the tragic discovery of Audrii Cunningham’s body. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. Audrii’s body was found in the Trinity River, near US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge. The condition of Audrii’s body has not been disclosed, as it is currently undergoing examination by the medical examiner’s office.
Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old man who lived behind Audrii’s home, has emerged as a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance. He was arrested on an unrelated assault charge shortly after Audrii went missing. Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton confirmed that they are preparing an arrest warrant for McDougal, and capital murder charges are expected to be filed against him. McDougal had admitted to leaving the house with Audrii on the morning of her disappearance but has not provided further details to investigators.
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Don Steven McDougal has a troubling criminal history that raises concerns about his involvement in Audrii’s disappearance and death. Court records reveal past convictions for enticement of a child. However, McDougal pleaded down to a lesser charge of child enticement in 2008, which does not require sex offender registration. The details of the previous case involve an incident where McDougal attempted to remove a child’s pants after getting in bed with her. These disturbing facts highlight the need for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Audrii Cunningham was last seen near her residence in Livingston at approximately 7 a.m. on February 15, 2024. She was expected to catch the school bus at her neighborhood bus stop, but school officials reported that she did not board the bus and did not report to school. Her worried parents promptly reported her missing, sparking a community-wide search effort and an outpouring of support. The community came together, distributing flyers, organizing search parties, and sharing information on social media platforms to aid in Audrii’s safe return.
During the search for Audrii, law enforcement officials focused their efforts on several locations based on information provided by McDougal. Notably, investigators discovered a small backpack near the Lake Livingston Dam, which is believed to belong to Audrii. The backpack matches the description of the bright red “Hello Kitty” backpack Audrii was carrying at the time of her disappearance. The recovery of this item further solidified McDougal’s involvement in the case.
Investigators utilized cellphone records, videos, and information provided by McDougal to narrow down the search area and ultimately locate Audrii’s body. These technological tools played a crucial role in the investigation, allowing authorities to track McDougal’s movements and gather evidence. The information gathered during the investigation is said to be substantial, providing a solid foundation for building a case against the suspect.
Livingston, Texas, is a close-knit community of approximately 5,600 residents located in Polk County. The disappearance and tragic death of Audrii Cunningham have deeply affected this small town, leaving its residents in shock and grief-stricken. The community has rallied together to support Audrii’s family, offering condolences, prayers, and assistance in any way possible. The loss of a young life has shaken the town’s sense of security and reinforced the need for justice to be served.
The discovery of Audrii Cunningham’s body marks a crucial turning point in the investigation. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for Audrii and holding the responsible party accountable. As capital murder charges are being prepared against Don Steven McDougal, the legal process will unfold, and the community will closely follow developments in the case. The tragedy of Audrii’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and working together to create safer communities for all.
In the wake of Audrii’s tragic death, support and resources have been made available to the community of Livingston. Local organizations, counseling services, and community leaders are working together to provide emotional support and assistance to those affected by this devastating event. It is essential for individuals to seek help if they are struggling with grief, trauma, or any emotional distress resulting from this tragic incident.
