LIVINGSTON, Texas – In a heartbreaking development, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s body was discovered near the Trinity River on Tuesday, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
“Words cannot express the profound sadness I feel at this news,” Sheriff Lyons stated, offering his deepest sympathies to Audrii’s loved ones.
The Polk County District Attorney, Shelly Bush-Sitton, is preparing an arrest warrant for Don Steven McDougal, a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance. McDougal will be charged with capital murder. He is currently in jail on an unrelated aggravated assault charge.
The Trinity River Authority lowered water levels to aid in the search for Audrii’s body. Despite her body being initially undetectable, various evidence, including cellphone analysis, videos, and information from McDougal, helped authorities locate her in the river. Multiple points of interest were investigated, leading to the discovery of Audrii’s body in one of those locations.
What we know:
Concerns arose when Audrii failed to disembark the school bus on Thursday. Further investigation revealed she never boarded the bus or attended school that morning.
Sheriff Lyons, at a press conference on Monday, identified McDougal as the last person known to have seen Audrii. McDougal, residing in a camper behind Audrii’s family home, admitted to leaving with her but provided incomplete information regarding her whereabouts afterwards. He occasionally assisted Audrii with transportation to the bus stop or school.
Throughout the search, McDougal cooperated with investigators to a certain extent, leading them to various locations. However, he never confessed to any wrongdoing.
This tragic outcome brings a somber conclusion to a desperate search. While justice may unfold within the legal system, the community mourns the loss of a young girl and extends unwavering support to her grieving family.
Join The Discussion!
Comments