In a tragic turn of events, Audrii Cunningham, the missing 11-year-old girl from Texas, was discovered lifeless on Tuesday afternoon. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, in a somber Tuesday press conference, confirmed that Audrii’s body was found in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston.
In a heartbreaking development, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who vanished from her Texas home on February 15, was found dead Tuesday in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, visibly shaken, vowed to pursue justice, confirming that investigators are preparing arrest warrants for 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal, who may face capital murder charges.
McDougal, who lived in a camper behind Audrii’s home, was already in custody on unrelated assault charges. Authorities say he was likely the last person to see the child alive and had previously driven her to school when she missed the bus. A statewide Amber Alert issued on February 16 intensified the search, which led to the discovery of a backpack believed to belong to Audrii near the Livingston Dam.
McDougal’s extensive criminal record, including child enticement and assault, has heightened scrutiny. Investigators are now piecing together his movements on the morning of her disappearance and are asking residents for any surveillance footage from the area. The community continues to mourn Audrii’s tragic loss as the investigation deepens.
