The accusation of capital murder against the neighbour of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham following the discovery of her body in Texas’ Trinity River on Tuesday.
As reported by US media, Audrii went missing on February 15, last seen leaving her home with family friend Don Steven McDougal, who resided in a trailer behind her residence in Livingston.
Following the start of the investigation, authorities detained McDougal, who has been held without bond since Friday.
The investigation utilized video and cell phone data to link McDougal to several key locations, including areas along the Trinity River. The exact cause of Audrii’s death remains undisclosed.
The crime scene spanned near US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons mentioned on Tuesday that McDougal acknowledged leaving home with Audrii the morning she disappeared, yet he has not disclosed subsequent events.
Lyons indicated the evidence gathered as substantial. Investigators found Audrii’s body bound with a rope and a large rock, materials matching those found in McDougal’s vehicle during a traffic stop two days before her disappearance.
Sheriff Lyons noted McDougal’s close relationship with Audrii’s family, including occasions where he assisted her with transportation to school.
Further details emerged from ABC13, pointing to McDougal’s presence at a Livingston mechanic shop near Highway 59 when Audrii disappeared.
After her disappearance, McDougal led investigators to various locations, including the Livingston Dam, where what is believed to be Audrii’s wet backpack was found, Lyons disclosed.
To facilitate the recovery of Audrii’s body, water levels were reduced. While her body was sent for medical examination, details regarding its condition have not been released.
ABC13 also reported that McDougal faced charges related to indecency with a child 17 years ago in Brazoria County, necessitating sex offender registration. However, a 2008 plea to child enticement eliminated that requirement.
