Missing girl’s body found in river

PRESS CONFERENCE HELD - Polk County Criminal District Attorney Shelly Sitton and Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons take questions from the media during a press conference Tuesday afternoon where it was reported that the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, missing since 7 a.m. Feb. 15, had been located. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

Amber Alert discontinued

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The five-day search for Audrii Cunningham of Livingston came to an end Tuesday when law enforcement officials located the 11-year-old’s body at the Trinity River under U.S. Hwy. 59.

“My heart aches with this news and I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone who knew, who cared for and loved Audrii,” Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said during a Tuesday press conference. “The Sheriff’s Office will continue to process evidence that has been gathered to ensure justice for Audrii.”

Lyons offered his thanks to everyone involved in the case, including local news media outlets.

“I want to thank everyone who has been engaged in the efforts to find Audrii — from the investigators to the volunteers who have spent countless hours in hopes of finding her and to the community members who have been here supporting us since day one,” he said. “I also want to say thank you to the Trinity River Authority for lowering the water levels so that the divers could reach areas of interest.”

Lyons said that through the assistance of the Department of Public Safety, particularly in issuing the Amber Alert, investigators were able to gather a substantial amount of information. Also aiding in the investigation were the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigators, the Livingston Police Department, Texas Rangers, game wardens, the FBI, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County DA’s office, and officers with Trinity and Liberty counties.

“It’s just an outpouring of love from all of our law enforcement partners,” Lyons said.

Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton said that based on the evidence, there will be arrest warrants for Don Steven McDougal, who was arrested Saturday on an unrelated charge.

“We believe the appropriate (charge) is going to be for capital murder,” Sitton said.

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“I understand that this is a very difficult time for Audrii’s family and for our community,” she said. “The substantial law enforcement resources that were marshaled by Sheriff Lyons I think should show you that this county and law enforcement will come out when they need to protect our children. The assets that have been made available to Polk County to protect our children have been substantial.”

Sitton said that her office will continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office to follow through on the investigation.

“We promise you the District Attorney’s Office will be just as dedicated to this case as every one of these law enforcement officers to do what is right for Audrii and bring justice to our community,” Sitton said.

Audrii was last seen near her residence at approximately 7 a.m. on Feb. 15 in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive. While she should have caught the school bus at her neighborhood bus stop, school officials reported that the bus did not pick her up, nor did she report to school. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued an Amber Alert.

Authorities followed a lead into San Jacinto County on Friday, searching near the Lake Livingston Dam. A backpack was located at the dam later that day that was similar to one belonging to Audrii.

While there were initially several persons of interest, law enforcement narrowed it down to one — McDougal, 42 of Livingston, who was arrested that same day on an unrelated aggravated assault charge.

Livingston ISD Superintendent Dr. Brent E. Hawkins issued a statement to everyone in the district on Tuesday evening.

“It is with tremendous sadness that I inform you of the death of our LISD fifth-grader, Audrii Cunningham,” he said. “While the details of this tragedy are still unfolding, our hearts go out to the entire community during this heartbreaking loss.

“Children will have varied reactions to the death of a classmate,” Hawkins said. “Any reaction is normal in the grief process and can range from withdrawal to crying and anger. As adult caretakers, parents, and teachers, please offer support, encourage discussion, and listen to your children and students. If you see your child struggling, please call your campus office. We will put you in touch with a school counselor.”

Hawkins asked that the community keep Audrii’s family, teachers, friends, and community in its thoughts and prayers during this time.