Livingston, Texas – A 42-year-old man from Texas has been indicted on murder charges in connection with the death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. Don Steven McDougal faces two counts of capital murder, one for the murder of a child with blunt force trauma and the other for causing a death during a kidnapping. The indictment was issued by a Polk County grand jury recently.
Audrii went missing on her way to school in Livingston, Texas, on February 15. McDougal, who was reportedly the last person seen with Audrii, was arrested the following day on an unrelated charge and was labeled a “person of interest” in her disappearance. Tragically, her body was discovered on February 20 in Trinity River, where officials determined she died from blunt force trauma.
Authorities revealed that McDougal, a family friend who was living on the Cunningham family’s property at the time of the incident, had aided in search efforts for Audrii after her disappearance. Despite his involvement in the search and support for the family, McDougal has a prior history of child enticement, according to court records.
During the investigation, McDougal claimed to have been with Audrii on the morning she disappeared but provided no further details. Plea information for McDougal was not available as of the most recent update. The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance against child abuse, with resources like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline available for support and assistance 24/7.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to mourn the loss of Audrii and seek justice for her untimely death. The details surrounding the case paint a picture of a complex and heartbreaking tragedy that has gripped the small town of Livingston, Texas. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as justice is sought for Audrii Cunningham.