LIVINGSTON, Texas – In a devastating turn of events, authorities have confirmed that 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who went missing in Texas, died from blunt head trauma. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has ruled her cause of death as “homicidal violence” and deemed it a homicide, shedding light on the deeply disturbing circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Audrii was reported missing on February 15 when she failed to show up for school in Livingston, causing immediate concern among authorities and the community. Tragically, her lifeless body was discovered in a river five days later. Authorities have now charged 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
The arrest of McDougal, a longtime family friend who had even participated in the search efforts, sent shockwaves through the community. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office revealed that McDougal had been named a person of interest shortly after Audrii’s disappearance due to unrelated assault charges.
Details surrounding the discovery of Audrii’s body have also emerged, painting a disturbing picture of the crime. Authorities claim that she was found tied to a “large rock” with a rope that matched rope found in McDougal’s car. McDougal, who had been the last person seen with Audrii, had been trusted with her care in the past and was known to reside in a trailer on her family’s property.
This devastating incident has brought attention to McDougal’s criminal history, which includes past convictions for enticement of a child. As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear whether McDougal has legal representation.
The heartbreaking tragedy of Audrii Cunningham’s death has left a community in mourning and serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk within seemingly familiar faces. As law enforcement continues their efforts to bring justice to the grieving family, the full extent of the investigation and the motive behind this heinous crime have yet to be revealed.