A person known to the family is accused of the tragic death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. They were meant to accompany the Texas girl to her school bus stop, but instead, she was found deceased in a river days later, as per court records disclosed on Wednesday.
The capital murder criminal complaint against Don Steven McDougal was filed on Tuesday. It says that when search crews located her body on Tuesday in the Trinity River in an isolated area north of Houston, around 10 miles from her house, a huge rock was linked to it, as per WDSU.
Audrii Cunningham's Body Found
Investigators confirmed the discovery of the lifeless body of 10-year-old Audrii Cunningham. The young girl had been missing since the morning she failed to reach her school bus stop on February 15, 2024. The primary suspect, identified as McDougal, had initially agreed to escort Audrii to the bus stop, but she never arrived, leading to heightened concerns.
Authorities revealed that McDougal, accused of misleading investigators about his actions on the day of Audrii's disappearance, now faces serious charges, with a large rock found tied around the girl's body when her remains were located. The use of a rope consistent with the one observed in McDougal's vehicle during a prior traffic stop raised additional suspicions.
Audrii's family, initially under the impression that McDougal was accompanying her to the nearby bus stop, grew increasingly anxious when she didn't board the school bus or attend her classes. A bag resembling Audrii's distinctive Hello Kitty backpack was later discovered near a local dam.
The tragic culmination of the search occurred when Audrii's body was found downstream in the Trinity River, near the reservoir where her backpack had been located. Investigators utilized cell phone records, video analysis, and information provided by McDougal to pinpoint the location of the remains, according to CNN News.
Audrii Cunningham Murder Case
The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office is responsible for determining the cause of Audrii's death, so information about her remains is not being disclosed despite the seriousness of the situation.
Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed condolences to those affected by this heartbreaking incident and assured a thorough examination of the gathered evidence for justice. The search for Audrii involved coordinated efforts, including the strategic adjustment of water flow from the Lake Livingston reservoir, allowing authorities to unveil her remains.
Meanwhile, on social media, Audrii's mother, Matthews, defended herself against various speculations. She refuted claims of neglect, emphasizing her dedication to finding her daughter. Matthews highlighted her involvement in the ongoing situation, countering online rumors and expressing her single-minded focus on locating Audrii.
District Attorney Shelly Sitton confirmed the preparation of capital murder charges against McDougal, signaling a potentially severe legal consequence. McDougal's criminal history, revealed through court records from Brazoria County, indicated previous charges related to enticing a child in 2007, Daily Mail reported.
