Audrii Cunningham, who went missing on February 15 after failing to board her school bus, was tragically found dead in a river north of Houston. The Polk County authorities recovered her body from the Trinity River, approximately 10 miles from her family’s home, on Tuesday. Suspect Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old acquaintance who occasionally transported Audrii to school, is currently held in custody on an unrelated assault charge and is now facing a capital murder charge in connection with her death. McDougal, known to the family and residing in a mobile home on their property near Lake Livingston, was deeply involved in the search efforts after Audrii’s disappearance. Witnesses reported seeing him in the community, actively seeking information on her whereabouts.
Audrii was supposed to catch her school bus on the day she disappeared but never boarded it. She was last seen carrying a distinctive red Hello Kitty-style backpack, which was later found in the vicinity. McDougal’s vehicle, a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, was linked to Audrii’s disappearance by a witness, leading authorities to consider him a person of interest. McDougal’s prior criminal history includes a no-contest plea to two felony counts of enticing a child in 2007, for which he served a two-year prison sentence.
Despite his involvement in the search and community outreach efforts, McDougal became a prime suspect as evidence tied him closer to the case. Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton announced plans to issue an arrest warrant for McDougal for capital murder during a press conference. The investigation into Audrii’s death is ongoing, with authorities awaiting results from the Harris County Medical Examiner regarding the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding Audrii’s disappearance and death have shocked the community, highlighting the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding their well-being.
Sheriff Byron Lyons emphasized the significance of community cooperation and expressed gratitude for the efforts to locate Audrii. The tragic outcome has left many mourning Audrii’s loss and seeking justice for her untimely death. As the investigation progresses, authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing closure to Audrii’s family. The devastating impact of such a crime reverberates throughout the community, serving as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from harm.
