Vanished Without a Trace: The Audrii Cunningham Mystery Unraveled

The search for an 11-year-old girl from Texas, who failed to board her school bus on February 15, has escalated with authorities leaving no stone unturned. Multiple suspects have been interrogated about the disappearance of Audrii Cunningham.

Don Steven McDougal, aged 42, has emerged as a person of interest in the case. Authorities in Polk County revealed that McDougal, a friend of Cunningham’s father, has been somewhat cooperative and admitted to being with her on the day she vanished.

Living in a trailer behind Cunningham’s house, McDougal would occasionally assist in taking her to school. A significant clue in the investigation is a red ‘Hello Kitty’ backpack that Cunningham was supposed to have with her on the day she disappeared. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office mentioned the discovery of a small backpack near Lake Livingston Dam, believed to be hers, stating confidently that it belonged to the missing girl, as reported by TxDPS authorities via Fox 26 Houston.

When did Audrii Cunningham go missing and who is she?

On February 16, an Amber alert was issued by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Audrii Cunningham. According to a press release on Facebook, Audrii was last seen around her residence at approximately 7:00 AM on February 15, 2024, in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive, Polk County, Texas. Despite being expected to catch the school bus at her neighborhood stop, school officials notified the Sheriff’s Office that Audrii did not board the bus nor attend school.

Assisting in the search effort are various law enforcement agencies including the Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, Livingston Police Department, Texas State Guard, and local Fire Departments.

Described as a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes, Audrii weighs 75 pounds and stands approximately 4-foot-1-inch tall. She was last seen wearing black pants, a black hoodie with white lettering, and black high-top tennis shoes.

Authorities suspect Don Steven McDougal as the last individual seen with Audrii before her disappearance. “We have taken him to certain locations to gather information about his whereabouts during the time of Audrii’s disappearance,” officials stated.

According to TXDPS officials, McDougal was arrested on Saturday after admitting to assaulting a male during an argument.

Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons mentioned that investigators are working to determine the nature of the crime. “Once we get all that evidence put together (we will determine) what charges will be filed,” he said. The reward for information leading to an arrest has increased to $10,000, shared by Polk County Crime Stoppers on Facebook. McDougal and his dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban are believed to be involved.

Those with information regarding the case are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 327-6810 or call 911.