LIVINGSTON, TX – Law enforcement agencies in Texas are intensifying their search for an 11-year-old girl who disappeared on February 15. Audrii Cunningham was last seen in the vicinity of her father’s residence in Livingston, Texas, around 7 a.m., a time neighbors typically observe her heading to her school bus stop. However, on this day, Audrii failed to board the bus and did not arrive at school.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has launched a criminal investigation into the matter, according to Lt. Craig Cummings, a department spokesperson. An Amber Alert was issued statewide on the day of her disappearance. The focus of the investigation has turned to a person of interest, Don Steven McDougal, a friend of Audrii’s father who resides in a camper situated behind the family’s home.
McDougal, who investigators believe was the last person to see Audrii, was taken into custody on an unrelated aggravated assault charge. He has a significant criminal past, including a conviction for enticing a minor in 2008. Despite his arrest, investigators remain hopeful that McDougal will cooperate with the investigation.
In addition to McDougal, authorities are also seeking his 2003 blue Chevy Suburban. Multiple law enforcement agencies and volunteers have joined the search for Audrii in the Livingston area. During the search, her backpack was found near Lake Livingston Dam, along with other undisclosed items.
Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, expressed her desperation and heartbreak over her daughter’s disappearance. Authorities, while focusing on McDougal, are not ruling out other possibilities and continue to hope for Audrii’s safe return. Audrii is described as 4-foot-1, with blond hair and blue eyes, weighing approximately 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with white lettering, a camouflage backpack, black pants, and black high-top tennis shoes. A reward for information leading to her whereabouts has been increased to $10,000.