In a heartbreaking development, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who had been missing from Texas, was found dead on Tuesday afternoon. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed the grim discovery, revealing that Audrii’s body was located in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston. Sheriff Lyons, visibly shaken, promised to continue gathering evidence to ensure justice for the young girl. Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton announced that arrest warrants are being prepared for 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal, with the possibility of capital murder charges being filed in connection with Audrii’s disappearance.

McDougal had been arrested on Friday for unrelated charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which raised suspicions about his involvement in Audrii’s disappearance. Investigators have been trying to get McDougal, who is believed to have been the last person to see Audrii, to cooperate with the investigation. Lt. Craig Cummings of the Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized that McDougal had been given several opportunities to assist in the search for Audrii. Sheriff Lyons also cautioned the public about jumping to conclusions, stressing the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold without speculation.

Audrii had been expected to board her school bus on the morning of February 15, but she never arrived. This prompted an investigation that ultimately led to the tragic discovery of her body. McDougal, who lived in a camper behind Audrii’s home, was reportedly known to take her to the bus stop or even to school on occasion when she missed the bus, according to Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews. Investigators are working to retrace McDougal’s movements on the morning of February 15, with Lyons revealing that McDougal has agreed to show investigators some key locations after his arrest.

The case prompted a statewide Amber Alert on February 16, intensifying efforts to locate Audrii. Sheriff Lyons also acknowledged the discovery of a backpack near the Livingston Dam, which is believed to belong to Audrii, adding further complexity to the investigation. McDougal’s criminal record, which includes charges such as child enticement, assault, and evading arrest, has raised concerns as investigators continue to delve into his past.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any video footage from FM 3126 in Polk County between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on February 15, hoping to uncover vital details about the events surrounding Audrii’s disappearance. The community is deeply saddened by the loss of Audrii Cunningham, and as the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward to help uncover the full circumstances of this tragic case.

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