Killing of Audrii Cunningham
| Killing of Audrii Cunningham | |
|---|---|
| Location | Livingston, Texas, United States |
| Date | February 15, 2024 |
Attack type | Homicide, child murder |
| Victim | Audrii Cunningham |
| Accused | Don Steven McDougal |
On February 15, 2024, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham disappeared while traveling to her school bus stop in Livingston, Texas, United States. Her body was recovered on February 20 in the nearby Trinity River.[1] A 42-year-old family friend was charged with murder in connection to her death.
Suspect[edit]
A 42-year-old suspect was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault on February 16, the day after Cunningham's disappearance.[2][3] After the discovery of her body, he was charged with murder.[2]
The suspect was a friend of Cunningham's father and lived in a trailer on their property.[2] He sometimes transported Audrii to the bus stop before her disappearance.[2] 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.[2][3] He was sentenced to two years in prison for the latter charge.[3] His latest sentence, two years in prison for unauthorized use of a vehicle, was completed in September 2022.[2] Before his arrest, he allegedly posted on Facebook, defending himself from accusations of guilt.[2][4]
Aftermath[edit]
An autopsy determined that Audrii died of blunt head trauma.[5] A memorial service was held for Cunningham on March 2.[6] On April 22, McDougal was indicted on two counts of capital murder.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ Alund, Natalie Neysa; Encinas, Amaris (February 20, 2024). "Body of Audrii Cunningham found in a Texas river; man jailed on capital murder charge". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Rose, Andy; Wolfe, Elizabeth; Razek, Raja; Yan, Holly; Flores, Rosa; Weisfeldt, Sara (February 21, 2024). "Suspect in Audrii Cunningham's death is charged with capital murder after the girl's body was found in a river tied to a rock". CNN. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c Alund, Natalie Neysa (February 21, 2024). "Suspect in Audrii Cunningham killing was previously accused of sex crime involving 10 year old". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Sen, Sumanti (February 21, 2024). "Who is Don Steven McDougal? Suspect in Texas girl Audrii Cunningham's death has a lengthy rap sheet". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024.
- ^ "Audrii Cunningham died from 'homicidal violence with blunt head trauma,' records show".
- ^ "Missing Texas girl Audrii Cunningham remembered as "precious, gentle, kind" during memorial service".
- ^ "Don Steven McDougal indicted in murder, attempted kidnapping of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham".