Tragic Update After 11-Year-Old Girl Goes Missing On Her Way to School

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in February 2024.

What began as a desperate search has ended in sorrow. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who had been missing for several days, was found in the Trinity River beneath the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston, Texas. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons delivered the devastating news during a somber press conference, marking a tragic end to the community’s hopes for her safe return.

Various photos of Audrii Cunningham, Photo Credit: Fox News

Sheriff Byron Lyons, visibly shaken by the heartbreaking discovery, vowed to pursue justice with unwavering determination, stating that every piece of evidence will be carefully examined to ensure accountability for Audrii’s tragic death.

Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton announced that arrest warrants are being finalized for 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal in connection with Audrii’s disappearance—charges that may escalate to capital murder.

McDougal, who was arrested Friday on unrelated aggravated assault charges, quickly drew the attention of investigators. Lt. Craig Cummings, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, noted that McDougal was believed to be the last person to see Audrii alive and had been given multiple chances to cooperate—but refused to do so.

Aerial view of the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge in Livingston Texas, Photo Credit: Fox News

At a Monday press conference, Sheriff Lyons cautioned the public against rushing to judgment, emphasizing the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold without interference from speculation.

Audrii Cunningham was last seen on the morning of February 15, when she was supposed to catch her school bus—but she never arrived. The disappearance launched an intensive search effort that tragically ended with the recovery of her body days later.

Adding to the chilling nature of the case, authorities revealed that Don Steven McDougal—who lived in a camper directly behind Audrii’s home—had occasionally taken the girl to the bus stop and even to school when she missed the bus. Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, shared this unsettling detail in an interview with FOX 26 Houston.

Aerial view of a police boat on the Trinity River, Photo Credit: Fox News

Authorities are now working tirelessly to retrace Don Steven McDougal’s steps on the morning of February 15—an effort Sheriff Lyons described as critical to unraveling the truth. Following his arrest, McDougal reportedly agreed to guide investigators to several key locations, potentially shedding light on the tragic timeline of events.

The urgency of the case led to a statewide Amber Alert being issued on February 16, rallying law enforcement and communities across Texas in the search for Audrii. One of the most significant developments came when a backpack—believed to belong to the 11-year-old—was discovered in a wooded area near the Livingston Dam, a grim clue that deepened the sense of foreboding surrounding the investigation.

Aerial view of a police boat being towed by a truck near the Trinity River, Photo Credit: Fox News

As the investigation deepens, disturbing details about Don Steven McDougal’s past have come to light. His criminal record, stretching back to the early 2000s, includes a series of serious offenses—ranging from child enticement to assault of a family member and evading arrest. These revelations have only intensified concerns surrounding his involvement in Audrii Cunningham’s disappearance and death.

In a renewed plea for assistance, investigators are asking the public to submit any video footage captured along FM 3126 in Polk County between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on February 15. Authorities believe such footage could hold critical clues as they work to piece together what happened that morning.

Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve the heartbreaking loss of 11-year-old Audrii. As candles are lit and tributes grow, law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the full truth—and they are calling on the public to help bring justice to a life tragically cut short.