- McDougal charged in 11-year-old Audrii’s murder.
- Audrii missing since Feb 15; last seen near Trinity River.
- McDougal admits leaving with Audrii; body found tied.
In a harrowing turn of events, court documents have unveiled that the neighbor and family friend, Don Steven McDougal, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. The young girl’s lifeless body was discovered in the Trinity River in Texas on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the community.
Audrii went missing on February 15, leaving her family and the tight-knit town of Livingston in a state of distress. She was last seen leaving her home with McDougal, who resided in a trailer behind her house. McDougal, a friend of Audrii’s father, was often entrusted with taking her to catch the school bus.
The arrest came after McDougal was taken into custody and held without bond on Friday. Video footage and cell phone data reportedly placed him at multiple locations of interest, including along the Trinity River, prompting authorities to focus their investigation on him.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons revealed that McDougal admitted to leaving the house with Audrii on the morning of her disappearance but remained tight-lipped about the events that followed. Lyons stated, “We believe there is enough evidence,” but did not disclose the cause of Audrii’s death.
The crime scene, located near US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge, became a focal point of the investigation. Disturbingly, Audrii’s body was found tied to a large rock, with the rope matching the one observed in McDougal’s vehicle during a traffic stop two days prior.
Further revelations suggested McDougal’s involvement in a past legal issue. Approximately 17 years ago, he faced charges of attempted indecency with a child in Brazoria County. However, he ultimately pleaded down to child enticement in 2008, a charge that did not necessitate sex offender registration.
As the investigation unfolded, McDougal cooperated with authorities, leading them to various locations related to Audrii’s disappearance. Notably, a wet backpack believed to belong to the young girl was discovered near the Livingston Dam.
The tragic incident has left the community in mourning, and officials are awaiting the results of the medical examination on Audrii’s body. McDougal’s arrest and the disturbing details surrounding the case underscore the heart-wrenching reality of this devastating loss in the close-knit Texas town.
