Tragic Discovery: Cause of 11-Year-Old Audrii Cunningham’s Death Unveiled After Body Found in Texas River
In a devastating turn of events, the cause of death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, whose body was discovered dumped in a river in Texas after a days-long search, has been revealed. According to a report from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Audrii died from “homicidal violence,” with the cause of death involving “blunt head trauma.” The institute classified her death as a homicide, though specific details regarding the nature of her injuries were not disclosed.
The young girl went missing on her way to school, prompting school officials to report her disappearance on February 15, as shared by Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons. Tragically, Audrii’s lifeless body was found in the Trinity River on Tuesday, following an exhaustive search.
Authorities swiftly took action, charging 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal with capital murder just one day after the discovery of Audrii’s body. McDougal, who resided in a camper behind Audrii’s father’s home in Livingston, an hour from Houston, had actively participated in the search before emerging as a suspect.
During a press conference on Monday, Sheriff Lyons revealed that McDougal, identified as likely the last person to have seen Audrii alive, admitted leaving the house with her. McDougal was supposed to take Audrii to the bus stop on the fateful day, but she never made it to school.
Charging documents obtained by People indicated a disturbing connection between Audrii’s body and a “large rock” tied with rope, consistent with another length found in McDougal’s car. The details surrounding Audrii Cunningham’s tragic demise continue to unfold as the community grapples with the heartbreaking loss of a young life.