On February 15, 2024, 11-year-old Audrii Danielle Cunningham (born February 5, 2013)[1] disappeared while traveling to her school bus stop in Livingston, Texas, United States. Her case gained national and significant media attention.[2][3]
Her body was recovered on February 20 in the nearby Trinity River.[4] Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old family friend, was charged with murder in connection to her death.
Disappearance
On February 15, 2024, Cunningham was reported missing after she didn’t show up for the school bus.[5] Her backpack was found near to Lake Livingston.[6] An AMBER alert was issued for Cunningham.[7] Five days later, Cunningham's body was found in the Trinity River, Texas.[4]
Suspect
42-year-old Don Steven McDougal was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault on February 16, the day after Cunningham's disappearance.[8][9] After the discovery of her body, he was charged with murder.[8]
McDougal was a friend of Cunningham's father and lived in a trailer on their property.[8] He sometimes transported Audrii to the bus stop before her disappearance.[8] From 2003 until his arrest, the suspect incurred a lengthy criminal record in Texas, including charges of assault, theft, possession of methamphetamine, and child molestation.[8][9] He was sentenced to two years in prison for the latter charge.[9] His latest sentence, two years in prison for unauthorized use of a vehicle, was completed in September 2022.[8] Before his arrest, he posted on Facebook, saying he was "not guilty".[8][10] He is currently in custody without bail.[11]
Aftermath
An autopsy determined that Audrii died of blunt head trauma.[12] A memorial service was held for Cunningham on March 2.[13] On April 22, McDougal was indicted on two counts of capital murder.[14]
