Audrii Cunningham, age 11, is still missing from the Livingston area. Her school bus was supposed to pick her up last Thursday morning, but she did not show up.
Authorities, such as the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), convened a press briefing at the Polk County Judicial Center in Livingston on Monday, revealing fresh information about the young girl's disappearance, as per Fox 26.
Authorities Investigate Audrii Cunningham's Disappearance
Authorities have raised an Amber Alert for a young girl named Audrii. She is described as a 4 foot, 1 inch tall individual with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last spotted wearing black pants, a black hoodie with white lettering, and black tennis shoes. In the Southeast Texas region, the Department of Public Safety has deemed her disappearance a matter of primary concern.
The primary suspect in Audrii's disappearance, 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal, was apprehended on Friday under suspicion of aggravated assault in an unrelated incident. Authorities have identified him as "one of the persons of interest" connected to the case. McDougal, described as a family friend residing in a trailer behind Audrii's home, had occasionally assisted in transporting her to the bus stop or school, as disclosed in a news conference on Monday.
Even though McDougal is in custody, he has not admitted to any role in Audrii's disappearance, and his level of cooperation with law enforcement has been limited Investigators are concentrating on looking into on McDougal's dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, suspected to be connected to the happening, and encouraging anyone who saw the vehicle on Thursday or Friday to step forward.
A regarded update in the situation involves the finding of a child's backpack near the Lake Livingston Dam, in proximity to Audrii's home. Law enforcement officials are offering a $10,000 reward for any details that could help identify and bring to justice the person behind Audrii's disappearance, according to NBC News.
Criminal Record Deepens Suspicions
Authorities confirmed McDougal's past criminal record, including assault charges and previous convictions for child enticement. His association with Audrii's family and the discovery of a backpack near the Cunningham family home has intensified suspicions.
Chief Deputy of the Southeast Texas region's Department of Public Safety, Lyons, stated, "We do feel at this point that he was the last person who's seen Audrii," referring to McDougal's potential involvement. While McDougal has not been charged in connection to Audrii's disappearance, investigators are appealing to the public for videos to reconstruct McDougal's movements and whereabouts.
Audrii was last seen after her father, Joshua Cunningham, dropped her off at a bus stop. Authorities are actively seeking information regarding McDougal's blue Chevrolet Suburban and are conducting an extensive search based on available leads.
Neighbors expressed their concerns, with one resident recalling Audrii's usual walks to the bus stop and realizing she was missing on the day she disappeared. As the investigation progresses, the community is worried, waiting for Audrii's safe return and justice for her family, Mirror reported.
