logo
Audrii Cunningham | Sources: Facebook/sheriffpcsotx | Facebook/joshua.cunningham.522
Audrii Cunningham | Sources: Facebook/sheriffpcsotx | Facebook/joshua.cunningham.522

Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead after Vanishing on Her Way to School – Cause of Death Finally Revealed

Taitirwa Sehliselwe Murape
Feb 23, 2024
07:45 A.M.

Recent news about Audrii Cunningham's disappearance in Texas, which ended in tragedy, reveals a sinister act behind her untimely demise. Authorities have uncovered details regarding what led to her death.

Advertisement
Audrii Cunningham posing for a picture posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Audrii Cunningham posing for a picture posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

In a tragic development of a story that has caught the attention of many, the mystery surrounding the sudden death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham has finally been unraveled. Audrii, whose absence sent waves of concern across Livingston, Texas, was discovered lifeless in a river, five days after her disappearance.

After a thorough examination, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has confirmed that the cause of Audrii's death was blunt head trauma. This revelation has brought a somber clarity to the circumstances leading to the young girl's demise.

Audrii Cunningham posing for a picture posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Audrii Cunningham posing for a picture posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Advertisement

The nature of Audrii's injuries led authorities to conclude that her death was a result of homicidal violence, officially classifying it as a homicide. As the investigation continues, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences remains tight-lipped about any additional injuries, underscoring the ongoing efforts to understand the full extent of the violence inflicted upon Audrii.

Audrii Cunningham's mom, Cassie Matthews and an unidentified woman at Audrii Cunningham's Vigil in Livingston, Texas on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Audrii Cunningham's mom, Cassie Matthews and an unidentified woman at Audrii Cunningham's Vigil in Livingston, Texas on February 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Her disappearance on February 15th, when she failed to arrive at school, sparked an exhaustive search, culminating in a discovery that has left a community in mourning. The unmasking of Audrii's cause of death marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn widespread attention and sorrow.

As previously reported on February 22:

Advertisement

According to the authorities, Don Steven McDougal, a person of interest in the case, and a friend of the missing girl's father, was dishonest about his whereabouts and what he was up to on the day Audrii Cunningham went missing.

Don Steven McDougal's mugshot posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Don Steven McDougal's mugshot posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Advertisement

Her body has since been found. Per court documents, there was a large rock that was tied around her remains. “The rope used was consistent with rope that was observed in Don’s vehicle on a traffic stop two days prior,” the complaint states. Following new developments in the case, Don has been charged with capital murder.

Additionally, Sheriff Bylon Lyons revealed that Don used to accompany the child to catch the school bus in the neighborhood. In the wake of Audrii's disappearance, Don even assisted in the search for the little girl. He was seen knocking on neighborhood doors asking if anyone had seen her.

Don Steven McDougal posing for a mugshot posted on February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/ABC 7 Chicago

Don Steven McDougal posing for a mugshot posted on February 22, 2024 | Source: YouTube/ABC 7 Chicago

However, Lyons had a hunch that there was more than met the eye, judging by the lengths Don was going to find Audrii. Days after her disappearance, he reportedly claimed in several comments on social media, that he was not responsible for her going missing.

Advertisement

Don claimed he had "done nothing wrong." "I'm not guilty," reads a comment from the account under a post on the Facebook page "True Crime Society," a day after Audrii was reported missing. “I was there and was questioned. I am not running or hiding,” Don wrote before commenting again and saying, “I have done everything I can to help find her. I have done nothing wrong."

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

As previously reported on February 19:

The family of an 11-year-old girl, Audrii Cunningham, has been in distress since their little girl disappeared. She was last seen near her home in the early hours around the 100 block of Lakeside Drive in Polk County.

She was dropped off at the bus stop, but school officials informed the Sheriff's Office that Audrii never boarded the bus and did not report to school. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and various law enforcement agencies have issued an urgent Amber Alert for the young Texas resident.

Advertisement
Sheriff Byron Lyons giving a briefing on Audrii Cunningham's case posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Sheriff Byron Lyons giving a briefing on Audrii Cunningham's case posted on February 21, 2024 | Source: YouTube/CNN

Audrii is described as a white female, with blonde hair and blue eyes, standing approximately 4 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 75 pounds. Her last known attire includes black pants, a black hoodie adorned with white marks, and black high-top tennis shoes. She was also carrying a distinctive bright red "Hello Kitty" backpack.

Unfortunately, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, reported that Audrii was sadly found at the bottom of the Trinity River. "My heart aches with the news, and I express my deepest sympathies and condolences," expressed the sheriff.

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

Advertisement

The search operation involved the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, Livingston Police Department, Texas State Guard, and several local fire departments, who all worked together to locate Audrii.

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

Sheriff Lyons issued a call to the public for any information regarding Audrii's whereabouts. Her mother, Cassie Mathews, emphasized that the disappearance was very unlike Audrii, "We would like to have her come home, it's not like her to just run off or disappear, she has a lot of loving families, she has so many people that love her and adore her."

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

Advertisement

Audrii's loved ones said they searched behind her home where she lived with her father, but nothing was verified by the police. The search also extended to the state park, one of her favorite spots. Despite the exhaustive efforts, the search was temporarily halted on February 16, 2024, with plans to resume near Lake Livingston.

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Joshua Cunningham

The emotional toll on the family was indescribable. Cassie candidly expressed the immense pain and uncertainty that has been eating her and her family up during the tough time. "This is the stuff you see on TV where you can only imagine what the families and the parents are going through," lamented Cassie. She added, "Right now, I am empty."

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Polk County Sheriff's Office TX, Sheriff Byron Lyons

Advertisement

A special FBI team and a special Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team were appointed to the case, but many of the details remained unknown. But as the investigation continued, the distraught mother felt like every lead they had only led them to a dead end.

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Cassie Mathews

Audrii Cunningham | Source: Facebook.com/Cassie Mathews

In a significant development, 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal of Livingston was identified as a person of interest in connection to Audrii's disappearance. Don was recently arrested on unrelated charges. Investigators suspected he might be connected to a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban potentially involved in the case. Additionally, a backpack that might have belonged to a child was found near Lake Livingston Dam.

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

Advertisement

The police also revealed that Lake Livingston Dam was the location they were most focused on searching, but did not reveal the reasons why. After three days of the authorities actively searching for Audrii, there were no significant updates.

The Polk County Crime Stoppers offered a $7,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of this case. The community and law enforcement urged anyone with information to come forward by contacting 936-327-STOP to help ensure that Audrii safely returned home and that her family received closure.

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

No matter how painful the wait for her little girl was, Cassie emphasized she wouldn't be the same until she was reunited with Audrii. She still hoped to see her daughter fulfill the life she dreamed of. "She has so many opportunities ahead of her, and she deserves every right to be able to reach those opportunities," she expressed.

Advertisement
Authorities searching for Audrii | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

Authorities searching for Audrii | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

An additional update on how the case would be processed was provided by Polk County District Attorney, Shelly Sitton. According to the evidence, an arrest warrant for Don will be processed, and it is believed that the appropriate charge will be under capital murder.

Reports state that Don was a friend of Audrii's father who lived in a trailer behind their home. He reportedly admitted to being with Audrii at the time she disappeared but refused to tell the authorities what happened next.

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

Cassie Mathews, Adurii's mother. | Source: Youtube.com/KPRC 2 Click2Houston

The suspect would sometimes walk the child to the bus stop, but what was shocking was that Don joined the community in the search for Audrii. Some witnesses even recalled seeing him knocking on doors asking if they had seen the little girl.

Here is a story about a 16-year-old who went missing after leaving home barefoot and in her pajamas.

Advertisement
Advertisement
info

news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.

Related posts

Riley Strain’s Devastated Family Orders Second Autopsy, Questioning Initial Finding of No Foul Play

March 28, 2024

Madeline Soto Case: Public Outrage Flares after Police Release Unseen Footage

April 11, 2024

Boy, 3, Missing After Mom Sent Him to Her Boyfriend for 'Disciplinary Reasons' — Police Ask for Help

March 04, 2024

Riley Strain Disappeared after Going out with Friends on March 8 – His Devastated Mom Speaks Out as Massive Search Continues

March 21, 2024

Missing Riley Strain Has Been Found Dead after 2 Weeks of Searching

March 22, 2024

Girl Found Dead in the Woods Days after 13th Birthday — Suspect Caught on Camera with Her Backpack & Laptop

March 05, 2024

23-Year-Old Man Goes Missing During Cruise After Sending Final Message to Wife, Leaving Her Heartbroken

March 27, 2024

Dad of Two, 38, Vanishes after the Baltimore Bridge Tragedy: His Family Speaks Out

March 28, 2024

Robyn Bernard Found Dead in Open Field: 3 Other 'General Hospital' Stars with Tragic Fates

March 15, 2024

Everything We Know about Baltimore Bridge Crash Victims

March 28, 2024

Father of Three Missing after the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

March 27, 2024

Chuck Norris Turns 84: Inside His Huge Ranch Where He Took Care of His Ill Wife

March 10, 2024

Survivor of Baltimore Bridge Collapse Speaks Out Following ‘Miraculous’ Escape from Death

March 28, 2024

‘1923’ Actor Cole Brings Plenty, 27, Found Dead in Kansas Woods – His Family Speaks Out

April 08, 2024