Audrii Cunningham Biography
Audrii Cunningham was an 11-year-old girl who went missing while on her way to school in east Texas on February 15, 2023.
Audrii’s body was discovered 5 days later on February 20, 2023, in the Trinity River about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from her home.
Audrii Cunningham Age
Cunningham was born in 2012. She was 11 years old at the time of her death.
Audrii Cunningham Parents
Cunningham was the daughter of Cassie Matthews and Joshua Cunningham. Her parents are divorced. At the time of her disappearance, she was staying with her dad and grandmother.
Audrii Cunningham Disappearance
cunningham was reported missing after she failed to return home after school. It was later discovered that Audrii never got on the bus to go to school that morning.
McDougal, a family friend, who lived in a camper on the family’s property had previously taken Audrii to the bus stop or to school.
Her body was recovered from the Trinity River by divers according to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons. Investigators used cell phone records, video analysis, and information from the man last seen with her.
According to the sheriff, inorder to help find the body, water management authorities slowed the flow from the Lake Livingston reservoir – one of the largest reservoirs in the state. This allowed the river level to recede enough to reveal the body.
Audrii’s body was tied around a large rock using a rope. “The rope used was consistent with rope that was observed in McDougal’s vehicle on a traffic stop two days prior,” the court document states.
Audrii Cunningham Cause of Death
Her cause of death is yet to be determined. Neither is the motive for the killing.
Audrii Cunningham Suspect – Don Steven McDougal
According to court documents filed in Polk County, Don Steven McDougal was arrested in relation to Audrii’s murder and was charged with capital murder.
He is a friend of Audrii’s father. According to a criminal complaint written by a sheriff’s deputy, McDougal lied about his whereabouts and activities. Video footage and cell phone data placed McDougal at three locations of interest including along the Trinity River.
McDougal is said to have joined search parties after Audrii was reported missing. Speaking to CNN, Sheriff Byron Lyons said, “Some of the witnesses have even said that he was in the community and knocking on doors asking have they seen her.”
McDougal has a criminal history that dates back to 2003. He was previously convicted of enticing a child in Brazoria County, Texas in 2007. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two years in prison
Where is Don Steven McDougal Now?
McDougal is being held without bond for the murder charge.