Suspect Charged with Capital Murder in Case of Missing 11-Year-Old Girl

Authorities have officially charged Don Steven McDougal with capital murder in connection to the tragic death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who had been missing since Thursday, Feb. 15. McDougal, who was already in custody on an unrelated aggravated assault charge, now faces the serious allegations related to the young girl's disappearance and death. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed McDougal's charges, specifying that he is accused of capital murder of a person aged between 10 and 15 years old. This development comes after crews found Audrii's body on Tuesday, prompting officials to declare the search area a crime scene near US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge in Livingston, Texas. During an emotional press conference, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed his condolences to the community following the tragic discovery of Audrii's body. Details regarding the condition of her body have not been disclosed, pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. "We believe there is enough evidence," Lyons said during Tuesday's press conference. Audrii's disappearance had sparked a widespread search effort, with McDougal initially identified as a person of interest before being labeled as a suspect. Authorities revealed that McDougal had admitted to leaving the house with Audrii on the morning she vanished but refused to disclose further details about their whereabouts. Newly obtained criminal records show McDougal was indicted on attempted indecency with a child nearly 17 years ago in Brazoria County, which, according to legal analyst Anthony Osso Jr., would have required him to register as a sex offender. However, McDougal pleaded down to child enticement in 2008. The charge does not require sex offender registration. According to records, on March 31, 2007, McDougal "attempted to remove (a child's) pants after getting in bed with her." According to online records, McDougal has a criminal history that goes back two decades and includes more than a dozen arrests. Additionally, information from a mechanic shop near Highway 59 in Livingston suggests McDougal acted suspiciously when Audrii disappeared. Workers at the shop said that McDougal was there trying to get a part for his blue Chevy Suburban, adding that he was filthy, covered in dirt, and acting suspiciously. Despite cooperating with investigators and leading them to various locations, including where Audrii's backpack was found, McDougal had not confessed to any involvement in her disappearance at the time of his arrest on the unrelated aggravated assault charge. The community of Livingston gathered for a private prayer vigil to mourn Audrii's passing, emphasizing her loss's impact on the tight-knit town. Elizabeth Kobes, a member of the community, described Audrii as "really important" and lamented the heartbreaking nature of the situation. As McDougal remains in custody at the Polk County Jail, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Audrii's death, determined to bring justice to her and her grieving loved ones. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com