In a tragic development that left a Texas community in mourning, 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal has been charged with the capital murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, whose body was found in the Trinity River this past Tuesday. The Houston Chronicle reports that McDougal, who had been living in a trailer behind the Cunningham family's home, possessed a criminal record spanning over two decades, including a 2008 conviction for enticing a child in Brazoria County.
Audrii's disappearance and subsequent death have deeply shaken her hometown of Livingston, a small community about 75 miles northeast of Houston. Court documents obtained by KHOU 11 News disclose that divers discovered Audrii's body fastened to a large rock by rope similar to one seen in McDougal's vehicle during a prior traffic stop. The Livingston Independent School District Superintendent Brent Hawkins spoke brokenheartedly, saying, "What happened to Audrii was nothing short of evil and she didn't deserve that."
Authorities initially considered McDougal a person of interest, and further investigation by law enforcement linked cell phone records and surveillance footage from McDougal's 2003 Chevrolet Suburban to the scene where Audrii's remains were ultimately recovered. Moreover, this evidence also suggested McDougal lied about his activities on the day the young girl went missing. McDougal, who was already in jail on an unrelated felony charge, was subsequently charged with capital murder and denied bond.
"I am truly blessed to have given birth to such a wonderful little girl," Cassie Matthews, Audrii's mother, remembered her daughter at a vigil reported by the Houston Chronicle. The Livingston community has come together in the wake of such stark tragedy, offering support and engaging in heartfelt tributes to honor the young girl's memory. The Livingston Independent School District extended their condolences and emphasized the need to keep Audrii's family, teachers, friends, and community in your thoughts and prayers while continuing to support students and staff as they navigate through this collective loss.
Funeral services for Audrii are scheduled, with a visitation on March 1 at First Baptist Church in Livingston, followed by a Mass and rosary on March 2 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, as per information from Pace Funeral Home. McDougal's criminal past, along with the disturbing new evidence surrounding Audrii's death,,
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