Our hearts ache as we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s lifeless body in the Trinity River, Livingston, Pole County. This devastating update comes after Audrii failed to attend school on February 15, triggering a widespread search effort.
During a press conference, Polk County Sheriff, Byron Lyons, confirmed the discovery of Audrii’s body and assured the public that investigators are diligently processing the evidence. “We will continue to process the evidence that has been gathered to ensure that justice is served for Audrii,” Sheriff Lyons stated.
Earlier this week, a backpack resembling that of a child’s was found near Lake Livingston Dam, intensifying the concerns for Audrii’s safety. Cassie Matthews, Audrii’s mother, tearfully expressed her despair, acknowledging the anguish experienced by other families in similar situations. “This is the stuff you see on TV, where you can only imagine what the families and parents are going through. Right now, I am empty,” Cassie shared.
In the pursuit of finding Audrii, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, Livingston Police Department, Texas State Guard, and local fire departments, collaborated in a search operation that tragically concluded with the discovery of Audrii’s lifeless body.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus has shifted to a 42-year-old man named Don Steven McDougal, who resided near Audrii’s family home. McDougal was apprehended on unrelated charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities believe that McDougal was the last person to have seen Audrii and are currently preparing arrest warrants. According to sources, McDougal lives in a camper behind Audrii’s residence, where she resided with her father, grandparents, and other family members.
The Polk County District Attorney, Shelly Sitton, has indicated that the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance may ultimately face charges of capital murder.
In this time of unimaginable sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to Audrii’s grieving loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace.
