Authorities Identify Person Last Seen with Missing 11-Year-Old Audrii Cunningham: Foul Play Suspected
In a shocking turn of events, authorities have identified the person last seen with 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham before her disappearance. The individual of interest is Don McDougal, a friend of the girl’s family who has been residing in a trailer behind their home. As law enforcement continues their investigation into Audrii’s disappearance, they strongly believe foul play is involved.
The incident occurred last Thursday when McDougal was supposed to drop Audrii off at her Texas bus stop. However, it is unclear whether she ever reached her destination. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons stated during a press conference that McDougal is believed to be the last person who saw Audrii before she vanished.
What is even more concerning is that McDougal has a criminal history, including a prison sentence for enticing a child more than a decade ago. Court documents reveal that he was initially indicted on attempted indecency with a child charges in 2007 but pleaded to the enticement charge in 2008. Shockingly, he did not have to register as a sex offender following this case.
The revelation of McDougal’s criminal past has left Audrii’s family stunned. Sheriff Lyons shared that they had no knowledge of his previous involvement with a girl and only saw him as down on his luck. The family had taken pity on McDougal and allowed him to stay in a trailer behind their house. This proximity allowed him to form a bond with the family and gain access to Audrii.
Since his arrest over the weekend on an unrelated charge, McDougal has sporadically cooperated with investigators. Although he has not confessed to any crime, he has taken authorities to various locations. However, Sheriff Lyons did not provide specific details during the press conference.
As of now, McDougal has not been charged in Audrii’s disappearance. The only trace of the young girl has been her backpack discovered near Lake Livingston Dam. The situation has become so dire that an Amber Alert has been issued for Audrii.
Sheriff Lyons remains hopeful that Audrii is still alive and vows to continue the search until she is brought home. He expressed his determination during an interview with “Elizabeth Vargas Reports,” stating, “I’m hoping and praying that she’s still alive. I am not giving up hope that we will be able to bring Audrii home.”
The community and law enforcement agencies are rallying together in the search for Audrii Cunningham. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in finding this missing 11-year-old girl. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are deeply troubling, and the hope for her safe return remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
