Polk County Sheriff Lyons has vowed to pursue justice for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham following the grim discovery related to her disappearance. Arrest warrants are being prepared for Don Steven McDougal, 42, with possible capital murder charges pending.
McDougal, arrested Friday on unrelated aggravated assault charges, is suspected due to his proximity to Audrii’s disappearance. Investigators believe he was the last to see her and have given him multiple opportunities to cooperate. After his arrest, McDougal agreed to guide authorities to specific locations.
Audrii was reported missing on February 15 after failing to board her school bus. McDougal, who lived in a camper behind her home, sometimes drove her to school when she missed the bus, according to Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews. A statewide Amber Alert on February 16 heightened efforts to locate her.
Evidence, including a backpack found near Livingston Dam, suggests a connection to Audrii. Authorities are also investigating McDougal’s criminal history, which includes child enticement and assault. They’ve appealed to the public for video footage from the FM 3126 area on February 15.
The community mourns Audrii’s loss as investigators work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking case.
