Texas Mother Mourns as Daughter's Body Found; Murder Charges Loom for Family Friend with Criminal Past

The community of Livingston, Texas, is reeling from tragedy following the discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham's body in a nearby river, culminating a week-long search fraught with anguish and uncertainty. Cassie Matthews, Audrii's grieving mother, poured out her sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook post, grappling with feelings of failure in the wake of her daughter's untimely death. Audrii's disappearance last Thursday sent shockwaves through the town, prompting a frantic search effort that spanned days. As hope dwindled and anxiety mounted, residents banded together to support Audrii's family, sharing appeals for her safe return across social media platforms. Amid the search, Matthews found herself besieged by rumors and accusations, particularly concerning her custody rights and alleged drug use. In a series of emotional Facebook posts, she vehemently rebuffed claims made by Audrii's father, steadfastly asserting her dedication to her daughter and her rights as a parent. As investigators pieced together the puzzle of Audrii's disappearance, attention turned to a person of interest – Don Steven McDougal, a family friend known to have assisted with Audrii's transportation to and from school on occasion. McDougal's involvement raised eyebrows given his troubled past, marked by prior felony convictions related to enticing a child. McDougal's criminal background cast a shadow over the investigation, heightening concerns about Audrii's safety and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton confirmed that charges of capital murder were being readied against McDougal, signaling a critical development in the case. The breakthrough came thanks to meticulous police work, bolstered by key pieces of evidence including cell phone data and surveillance footage. The decision by the Trinity River Authority to lower water levels in the river proved pivotal in locating Audrii's body, providing a measure of closure to her devastated family and the wider community. As Livingston grapples with the profound loss of a cherished young life, the impending legal proceedings against McDougal serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Amid the sorrow and uncertainty, the memory of Audrii will endure as a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, cherished by all who knew and loved her. 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