LIVINGSTON, Texas – Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl, disappeared after leaving to catch the school bus last week in the small town of Livingston, about 70 miles northeast of Houston. The only potential clue to her disappearance is a red “Hello Kitty” backpack she was supposed to carry to school. Audrii never made it onto the bus, and a small backpack was found near the Lake Livingston Dam, suggesting the possibility of foul play.
A 42-year-old man, who was arrested for an unrelated aggravated assault case, is believed to be a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance, as he lived behind the family’s home. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine what crime may have been committed. Despite the grim circumstances, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons has not given up hope that Audrii is still alive.
The man in question, a friend of Audrii’s family, lives in a trailer on the family’s property and sometimes took Audrii to the bus stop. He has been cooperating with investigators, but has not confirmed whether he dropped her off that morning. Furthermore, authorities have asked for video footage from the area near the lake on the morning of Audrii’s disappearance, as they work to piece together a timeline of events.
Audrii’s family reported her missing after she failed to return home from school, prompting a multi-agency search effort. The heartbreaking situation has left Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, pleading for her daughter’s safe return. Now, she finds herself in the same position as the other parents of missing children, grappling with the emotional turmoil and uncertainty of her daughter’s whereabouts.
Audrii, a White girl with blond hair and blue eyes, was last seen near her home on Lakeside Drive. She was wearing black pants, a black hoodie, and black high-top tennis shoes. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation continues, the community holds out hope for Audrii’s safe return.