A terrible update from Texas authorities states that the body of missing Texas teenager Audrii Cunningham has been located.The 11-year-old’s body was discovered in Livingston, Pole County’s Trinity River, according to sources. Her disappearance on February 15 sparked a broad search.
In a press conference yesterday, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons acknowledged the finding of Audrii’s body while indicating that the evidence was still being processed. Sheriff Lyons declared, “We will continue to process the evidence that has been gathered to ensure that there is justice for Audrii.”
The tragic report was received after a backpack that appeared to be belonging to a child was discovered close to Lake Livingston Dam. Cassie Matthews, Audrii’s mother, told Click 2 Houston earlier this week:
“This is the stuff you see on TV where you can only imagine what the families and the parents are going through. Right now, I am empty.”
The 11-year-old was supposed to board her school bus on February 15 in the morning, but she never showed up for class that day, according to Fox News.
Audrii’s body was found two days ago after a search operation involving several 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.
District Attorney Shelly Sitton of Polk County stated Tuesday that her office is currently drafting an arrest warrant for a 42-year-old man named Don Steven McDougal who lived in the vicinity of the young girl’s family residence.
On Friday, McDougal was taken into custody on separate counts of aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon. At that time, according to Lt. Craig Cummings of the Texas Department of Public Safety in Southeast Texas, he was given “several opportunities to cooperate” with the police’ investigation into Audrii’s disappearance.
“He was probably taking her to…the bus stop, and we do feel that he was the last person to see Audrii,” Polk County Sheriff Lyons said.
According to Fox News, McDougal resides in a tent behind the house Audrii shared with her parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
Authorities are considering charging the person who went missing with capital murder, according to Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton.
