LIVINGSTON, Texas – Authorities in Polk County, Texas are urgently searching for an 11-year-old girl who went missing after failing to board her school bus. Audrii Cunningham was last seen near her home carrying a “Hello Kitty” backpack before she disappeared on Thursday.
An amber alert was issued for the 4’1″ girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, who was last seen wearing black pants and a black hoodie. Investigators have identified a person of interest in the case and have taken 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal into custody on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault.
The Texas Department of Public Safety suspects McDougal’s dark blue 2003 Chevy Suburban is involved in Cunningham’s disappearance. Additionally, law enforcement discovered a small backpack near Lake Livingston Dam that is believed to belong to the missing girl.
Cunningham’s mother, Cassie Matthews, expressed her concern and plea for her daughter’s safe return. She described the situation as “the stuff you see on TV” and emphasized her daughter’s loving family and the need for her to come home.
The search for Audrii Cunningham involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, and continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. The community has come together to pray for her safe return, with the Texas Department of Public Safety offering a $7,000 reward for information related to the case.
While investigators actively pursue leads, there have been no significant updates to report, but they remain thankful for all the tips and efforts of everyone involved in the search for Audrii. As the community waits for answers, they remain hopeful for her safe return.