TX AUDRII CUNNINGHAM: Missing from Livingston, TX - 15 Feb 2024 - Age 11 *Found Deceased*

11-year-old Audrii Cunningham's mom says missing girl's backpack may have been found in search area

"Right now, I'm empty," the mother of the missing 11-year-old said. "I'm being told that they have possibly found her backpack in this area, but no signs of her."

abc13.com

Amber Alert triggered for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who may have been abducted, Texas DPS says​

Texas authorities are working on an active investigation for a missing 11-year-old girl from Livingston.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Audrii Cunningham was last seen at about 7 a.m. on Feb. 15 in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive in Polk County.

Her family first reported Audrii missing at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday when she didn't arrive home on the school bus. The investigation then discovered that Audrii never got on the school bus that morning.

According to Lt. Craig Cummings with Texas DPS, investigators are actively talking with persons of interest in the case. They have search boats in the area and are bringing in dogs and additional equipment.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon, Lt. Cummings described the situation as an "all-hands-on-deck investigation." The FBI is assisting the Texas Rangers, the Polk County and San Jacinto County sheriff's offices.

DPS refused to give any further specifics about how Audrii may have vanished. They are talking with persons of interest. Audrii's family is said to be fully cooperating with authorities.

"The focus right now is on bringing Audrii home," Lt. Cummings said.

Adding that "no tip is too small," authorities urge anyone who may have seen Audrii to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 936-327-6810.

Media - AUDRII CUNNINGHAM: Missing from Livingston, TX - 15 Feb 2024 - Age 11

 

[GrandmaBear]

Wow. Still watching. Kind of ambivalent about her normally but she has went up higher for me over this one. Strong words about it all. Not very forgiiving, gee I can't argue wtih that in this case. And I loved her blah, blah, blah. I and a friend just used those words today.

Asking what the fricking he77 he was doing out? Yes, WHY was he? I and a few say that ALL of the TIME.

Should she be more forgiving??

Bull. About time some say it like it IS and about the WRONG things going on.

I'm nowhere near through it and need to go to bed, will finish in morn but WELL worth watching so far.

@Mel70 you HAVE to watch this. You wil agree on the DP and needle and all. She does knock TX for this guy being LOOSE and getting deals but she calls out the b.s. and says they need to GIVE HIM THE DP/NEEDLE. Imagine someone SAYING THAT! Way to go Nancy. Boy is she on my fine list at the moment.

I'm not through it but she has had on the Exxon clerk and then Tim Miller. They found her pants by the river Little doubt what that means. What a freaking MONSTER.

Forgiveness. Okay. Not Nancy and she SAYS SO.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I have GOT to go to bed but man still watching.

Tim Miller says God put them in the right place at the right time or she may NEVER have been found EVER and goes into the reasons why she would not have been. And how hard it was to find her.

Just WOW.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Video shows Audrii Cunningham murder suspect, Don Steven McDougal, naked during arraignment

Disturbing new video shows Don Steven McDougal wearing nothing more than a jail-issued blanket and a smirk on his face as he faced a judge, a day after the 11-year-old's remains were found.

abc13.com

ByMiya Shay
Friday, February 23, 2024 8:05PM

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Disturbing video from inside the Polk County Jail offers a glimpse of Don Steven McDougal's actions after authorities charged him with Audrii Cunningham's murder.

ABC13 obtained the body-worn camera video by Polk County sheriff's deputies as they pulled McDougal out of his jail cell for an arraignment in front of the justice of the peace.

McDougal's arraignment was on Wednesday, Feb. 21. In the two-minute-long video, the most striking element is that he is not wearing any clothing.

As Polk County sheriff's deputies opened the cell door, they were shocked that McDougal was naked.

"Come on. JP wants to talk to you," a deputy says. "Where's your clothes? Hold on!"

"I ain't got no clothes," McDougal says on the video.

"Well, come on out here. Well, no, no, man. Come on, man, don't disrespect me like that. Well, wrap up in that. Wrap up in the blanket. Come on. Come on," the video plays out.

Seemingly wearing a smirk, McDougal walks over to the justice of the peace, with a blanket around his waist, to hear the charges against him.

"You have the right to remain silent, not make no statement at all. Know that anything you make can and will be used against you at trial and court. You have a right to an attorney present to advise you prior to or during questioning," the justice of the peace says. "You have the right to terminate any interview at any time. You have the right to examine the charges, accused of a felony. Do you understand your rights, Mr. McDougal?"

"Yep," he answers.

"Do you want a court-appointed attorney or hire your own?" the justice asks.

"Nope," McDougal answers.

"Which one?" the justice asks.

"I'll get an attorney," McDougal answers.

"You're going to hire your own? Alright, all I need you to do is sign right here for me. Your charge is capital murder. That's no bond," the justice says.

And with that, it was over-the entire video lasting approximately just two minutes. As of Friday, McDougal remains behind bars, but publicly available records do not show whether he has an attorney. The next step should be an official indictment after the case is presented to a grand jury.

 

[Kimster]

Video shows Audrii Cunningham murder suspect, Don Steven McDougal, naked during arraignment

Disturbing new video shows Don Steven McDougal wearing nothing more than a jail-issued blanket and a smirk on his face as he faced a judge, a day after the 11-year-old's remains were found.

abc13.com

ByMiya Shay
Friday, February 23, 2024 8:05PM

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Disturbing video from inside the Polk County Jail offers a glimpse of Don Steven McDougal's actions after authorities charged him with Audrii Cunningham's murder.

ABC13 obtained the body-worn camera video by Polk County sheriff's deputies as they pulled McDougal out of his jail cell for an arraignment in front of the justice of the peace.

McDougal's arraignment was on Wednesday, Feb. 21. In the two-minute-long video, the most striking element is that he is not wearing any clothing.

As Polk County sheriff's deputies opened the cell door, they were shocked that McDougal was naked.

"Come on. JP wants to talk to you," a deputy says. "Where's your clothes? Hold on!"

"I ain't got no clothes," McDougal says on the video.

"Well, come on out here. Well, no, no, man. Come on, man, don't disrespect me like that. Well, wrap up in that. Wrap up in the blanket. Come on. Come on," the video plays out.

Seemingly wearing a smirk, McDougal walks over to the justice of the peace, with a blanket around his waist, to hear the charges against him.

"You have the right to remain silent, not make no statement at all. Know that anything you make can and will be used against you at trial and court. You have a right to an attorney present to advise you prior to or during questioning," the justice of the peace says. "You have the right to terminate any interview at any time. You have the right to examine the charges, accused of a felony. Do you understand your rights, Mr. McDougal?"

"Yep," he answers.

"Do you want a court-appointed attorney or hire your own?" the justice asks.

"Nope," McDougal answers.

"Which one?" the justice asks.

"I'll get an attorney," McDougal answers.

"You're going to hire your own? Alright, all I need you to do is sign right here for me. Your charge is capital murder. That's no bond," the justice says.

And with that, it was over-the entire video lasting approximately just two minutes. As of Friday, McDougal remains behind bars, but publicly available records do not show whether he has an attorney. The next step should be an official indictment after the case is presented to a grand jury.

What a disgusting pervert.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Audrii Cunningham's family reacting to her passing, releasing a statement about investigation

The family of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham released a statement following her body's discovery in Trinity River on Tuesday.

www.fox26houston.com

Audrii Cunningham's father and grandmother release statement following her death and accused killer​

In a statement sent to Fox26, Audrii's grandmother, Tabitha Munsch, and father expressed their grief over her death and the involvement of law enforcement.

It was expressed that her family is deeply grieved by the circumstances surrounding her death. They thanked law enforcement for their efforts in searching for Audrii and expressed gratitude for the community's support.

In addition, the family announced a public memorial service will be held at Livingston First Baptist Church on Friday, March 1, in honor of Audrii. The service will start at 5pm and continue until 8pm. It is requested that anyone attending wear purple.

The statement also mentions the man accused of killing Cunninngham, Don Steven McDougal,42, after TXDPS was able to connect him to Audrii's disappearance.

The family said the system failed them due to a loophole in McDougal's criminal history.

"Unfortunately, the system failed us due to a loophole in the sex offender registration system. Don Steven McDougal had a history of disrespect for young female children, but it did not show up when we checked the registry before allowing him to stay in an old camper in our backyard while he tried to start a new life. Had we been aware of what we know now, this man would never have set foot on our property, much less been a part of our little girl’s life", said Audrii's grandmother and father.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

 

[GrandmaBear]

She has Audrii's mom on. Recent in last day.

I'd add the statement grandma and dad put out I find really lacking and blaming it on his lack of being a registered SO not nearly enough explanation when dad knew him and I'm sure he knew more about him than admitted, even if not that, he knew he had a record and more imo and nothing explains putting a female child anyhow in the hands of some man staying in a camper on your property even if you knew NOTHING which i don't buy.

Anyhow, Audrii's mom and more info here.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well worth watching just to hear all the info from mom. I'm not even done yet but can say a must watch.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas law

The family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl murdered by a family friend, is now working to propose a law in her name.

www.click2houston.com

Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas law​

The family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl murdered by a family friend, is now working to propose a law named after the late innocent pre-teen.

Audrii lived with her father at her grandparent’s home along Lake Livingston. On Thursday, her grandparents spoke with KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding for the first time since Audrii went missing.

During the nearly hour-long interview, they unveiled their plan to propose new legislation called Audrii’s Law.

The goal of the law would be to expand the requirements for offenders that need to be included on the sex offender registry.

Audrii’s family said that McDougal slipped through a loophole in the system. McDougal was previously convicted of enticing a child, according to court records. Despite being convicted for the crime and serving jail time, McDougal was not forced to register as a sex offender.

Audrii’s grandparents say they were aware of his criminal past. However, they both wanted to give McDougal a second chance at life.

“We saw the good side of him. I mean, he showed us what he wanted us to see.” said Audrii’s grandfather, Philip Munsch. “He was formerly incarcerated, but we had no idea. We checked his sex offender registry, and he did not show up on it.”

“He played us all,” added Audrii’s grandmother Tabitha Munsch. “He showed us a side that wanted to get clean and that everything he had done was attributed to drugs. And it wasn’t.”

Gage: “You were aware of his history and you were going to give him a second chance. A lot of people were passing over on him, and you went a step further and you checked that registry. Did you feel that that gave you peace of mind and that you did your due diligence before letting somebody stay here?”

Philip: “So, there is gray areas in the registry, but then there’s a big dark hole where people who committed a sexual assault wound up plea bargaining down to a misdemeanor. And because it’s only a misdemeanor, they didn’t have to register.”

It’s that very “hole” that Audrii’s family is looking to close. Simply put, their goal is to expand the requirements for offenders to register as a sex offender.

“That’s the hole that we want to work on closing,” Philip said. “Crime Stoppers of Houston have offered to help us go to the Texas state legislature and promote a bill which we’re going to call Audrii’s Law, to help close that loophole. If they started out with a sexual assault and they plea bargain it down, they still should register. So people know that that person has that history.”

Currently in Texas, only those with a “reportable conviction or adjudication” are required to register as a sex offender. This means they have to be convicted or adjudicated on certain guidelines of laws.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I am all for closing the hole and I am going to be nice and not talk of the naivete or lack of concern here other than to say it is one thing to help out some criminal offender who puts all on drugs and give him a place to stay on your property (that alone is risk number one) but quite another to have anyone with ANY record much less a male take care of your granddaughter or her be alone with him, sex registry or NOT.

And we don't know the whole back story here but these parents apparently helped dad, their son, keep this child away from the mom, and funded the fight which mom it sounds like couldn't. I don't know that mom should have had her either BUT they won, they got her and this is how they take care of her and the type of "babysitter" they get for her and who they leave her alone WITH? A tatted up man clearly from prison and more who weighted her to a concrete block or rock or whatever it was probably AFTER molesting her?

I don't know what is rumor but it is also said dad did not have custody but grandma did. There is a whole lot more in this one that needs to come out.

It is awesome to come out this soon and blame or try to fix a loophole in the sex registry but what does that have to do with leaving your grandchild watched by a known criminal? Is it less serious if she is around drugs or just battered or physically assaulted or possibly murdered than knowing a criminal is a sexual offender?? TAKE SOME BLAME YOURSELVES. You'd be thought better of imo.

I'm sorry but these grandparents aren't going to fly with me nor is dad until real answers come. Why weren't THEY taking her to school?!

I've been able thank goodness to take this one off the brain the last days as it quieted and compartmentalize it with Soto's going on which is awful because both and add Eli's and more are way too much for anyone.

I suspect there is also a court here and judge who did entirely wrong with Audrii's custody as well. Not sure but don't doubt it.

I won't even go into how grandma tried to think or say mom took her, maybe gullible from this creep, and from her SON, but duh, look at who she was last with, the tatted up felon you had taking care of her.

Okay. Went further than I meant too. White hot rage.

All can make mistakes and bad decisions and an older generation can maybe not realize how bad things are but I am going to bet these grandparents are younger than most of us here. I doubt they are my mom's age where there truly is a more trusting naive generation, not at my age there isn't.

Oh let me guess. It is the belief that being Christian means help your fellow man, forgive all, don't judge and that means let such a person be alone with your granddaughter and even be a caretaker for her. It means no such thing imo. And it really worked here if that was the belief didn't it.

Strike me down.

 

[Kimster]

Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas law

The family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl murdered by a family friend, is now working to propose a law in her name.

www.click2houston.com

Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas law​

The family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl murdered by a family friend, is now working to propose a law named after the late innocent pre-teen.

Audrii lived with her father at her grandparent’s home along Lake Livingston. On Thursday, her grandparents spoke with KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding for the first time since Audrii went missing.

During the nearly hour-long interview, they unveiled their plan to propose new legislation called Audrii’s Law.

The goal of the law would be to expand the requirements for offenders that need to be included on the sex offender registry.

Audrii’s family said that McDougal slipped through a loophole in the system. McDougal was previously convicted of enticing a child, according to court records. Despite being convicted for the crime and serving jail time, McDougal was not forced to register as a sex offender.

Audrii’s grandparents say they were aware of his criminal past. However, they both wanted to give McDougal a second chance at life.

“We saw the good side of him. I mean, he showed us what he wanted us to see.” said Audrii’s grandfather, Philip Munsch. “He was formerly incarcerated, but we had no idea. We checked his sex offender registry, and he did not show up on it.”

“He played us all,” added Audrii’s grandmother Tabitha Munsch. “He showed us a side that wanted to get clean and that everything he had done was attributed to drugs. And it wasn’t.”

Gage: “You were aware of his history and you were going to give him a second chance. A lot of people were passing over on him, and you went a step further and you checked that registry. Did you feel that that gave you peace of mind and that you did your due diligence before letting somebody stay here?”

Philip: “So, there is gray areas in the registry, but then there’s a big dark hole where people who committed a sexual assault wound up plea bargaining down to a misdemeanor. And because it’s only a misdemeanor, they didn’t have to register.”

It’s that very “hole” that Audrii’s family is looking to close. Simply put, their goal is to expand the requirements for offenders to register as a sex offender.

“That’s the hole that we want to work on closing,” Philip said. “Crime Stoppers of Houston have offered to help us go to the Texas state legislature and promote a bill which we’re going to call Audrii’s Law, to help close that loophole. If they started out with a sexual assault and they plea bargain it down, they still should register. So people know that that person has that history.”

Currently in Texas, only those with a “reportable conviction or adjudication” are required to register as a sex offender. This means they have to be convicted or adjudicated on certain guidelines of laws.

I sure hope they find success!

 

[GrandmaBear]

Why should the neighbors know more or give her a bicycle... Family at minimum had way too much trust for the day and age...

 

[GrandmaBear]

Sounds like from beginning of Mel's video here there is also a new one with Sebastian's parents. No time or way or place t put combined info on cases but heads up if anyone is interested in finding that one on that case.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Grand jury indicts man in murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

A Polk County grand jury has indicted Don Steven McDougal for the murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham.

cw39.com

Grand jury indicts man in murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham​

A Polk County grand jury has indicted Don Steven McDougal for the murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham.

McDougal has formally been charged with two counts of capital murder. No court date has been set yet in this case.

Grand jury indicts Audrii Cunningham's accused killer on capital murder charges

Don McDougal was first named a primary person of interest in Audrii's case but was later deemed a suspect. Now, the case is in its next steps.

abc13.com

Grand jury indicts Audrii Cunningham's accused killer on capital murder charges​

A grand jury has formally charged Don McDougal on two counts of capital murder in connection with 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham's death.

Documents show McDougal's indictment was filed on Tuesday, April 22.

 

[GrandmaBear]

GOOD. And CAPITAL offenses.

What case was I just reading yesterday where the guy got or was facing 45 years for a heinous intentional killing of a child? MURDER NO LONGER gets life. it is ludicrous. And yet 99 percent of people sit there absolutely silent about such. Like ho hum, can't do anything about it and that's just the way it is.

THIS CRETIN should be fried. And hopefully will be. @Mel70

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Death penalty still considered for Livingston man accused of killing Audrii Cunningham

The body of Audrii Cunningham was found in the Trinity River in February.

www.kltv.com

Death penalty still considered for Livingston man accused of killing Audrii Cunningham​

Prosecutors are still considering pursuing the death penalty for a Livingston man accused of killing an 11-year-old girl.

Don Steven McDougal was arrested on Friday, Feb. 16, though not initially in connection with the disappearance and eventual death of Audrii Cunningham. McDougal was a family friend of Audrii’s father. He has since been indicted on two counts of capital murder. On Wednesday, a hearing was held where motions were filed, and granted, for depositions to be held.

However, Polk County District Attorney Shelley Bush-Sitton also said her office is still considering whether to formally pursue the death penalty should McDougal be convicted. Bush-Sitton said that reports and other information will need to be fully gathered before a final decision is made, though.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Death penalty still considered for Livingston man accused of killing Audrii Cunningham

The body of Audrii Cunningham was found in the Trinity River in February.

www.kltv.com

Death penalty still considered for Livingston man accused of killing Audrii Cunningham​

Prosecutors are still considering pursuing the death penalty for a Livingston man accused of killing an 11-year-old girl.

Don Steven McDougal was arrested on Friday, Feb. 16, though not initially in connection with the disappearance and eventual death of Audrii Cunningham. McDougal was a family friend of Audrii’s father. He has since been indicted on two counts of capital murder. On Wednesday, a hearing was held where motions were filed, and granted, for depositions to be held.

However, Polk County District Attorney Shelley Bush-Sitton also said her office is still considering whether to formally pursue the death penalty should McDougal be convicted. Bush-Sitton said that reports and other information will need to be fully gathered before a final decision is made, though.

DO IT. Even though these days it may never be carried out it still makes an impact, look at Daybell, just hearing he got the DP and a full jury feeling no way could they choose otherwise as it was what was deserved, made an impact. First time too I perhaps ever saw Chad show glimpses of his real evil self...

What was done to Audrii deserves it. It may be more work and a higher stakes case, but it needs to be done in all that deserve it. Imo. Hey the other experiment hasn't worked, that of being SOFT on crime and murder. These are CHILDREN murdered by ADULTS with intent and planning who TOOK THEIR ENTIRE LIVES yet they exist.

@Mel70 long time no see, where in the heck have you been, haven't seen you on a case thread in forever and I have been forgetting to tag you on the bs in cases and charging or bs sentencing in some or delays, etc. lately.

Hope all is okay or as okay as things can be, kind of same here, sh*t never ends.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Accused killer of Audrii Cunningham transferred for visitation, not released, says DA

Don Steven McDougal, indicted for the capital murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, was mistakenly reported as released by Texas VINE when he was actually transferred to Tyler County Jail for visitation purposes.

www.click2houston.com

Accused killer of Audrii Cunningham transferred for visitation, not released, says DA​

Don Steven McDougal, indicted for the capital murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, has been moved to Tyler County Jail for visitation purposes.

Texas VINE, an automated notification service, informs registered individuals of changes in the suspect/offender status and court events via a toll-free number and website.

An incorrect message was sent out via VINE stating that McDougal had been released, when in fact, he had been transferred. The notification read:

“This e-mail is to inform you that DON MCDOUGAL with offender number 15948 was released from custody on 06/12/2024. If you have any concerns about your immediate safety, contact your local law enforcement agency, or if you have an emergency, call 911.”

According to the Polk County District Attorney, the term “released” was mistakenly used instead of “transferred.” McDougal was moved to Tyler County Jail in Woodville at his attorney’s request for visitation purposes.

McDougal did not appear in court on Wednesday for an uncontested hearing. Both parties had previously agreed that his presence was not required. The next hearing is scheduled for August 21 at 2 p.m.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Not the first time such has happened, looked to be released when transferred. Idiots run the world. Or don't know how to do their job.

It says RELEASED from CUSTODY. Again have seen such before.

So happy they are concerned about visitation for him. HE MURDERED a DEFENSELESS CHILD. But like basically all these days, they will go all the way to trial with it, about ten years from now perhaps.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/portrait-in-honor-of-audrii-cunningham-hangs-at-livingston-junior-high/

Portrait in honor of Audrii Cunningham hangs at Livingston Junior High​

A forensic portrait of Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl who was murdered by a family friend on Feb. 15, has been placed at the Livingston Junior High.

As the school welcomed sixth graders, Principal Jared Nettles placed the portrait of their classmate, Cunningham. The portrait was created by Johnny Castro of the Philadelphia Police Department and will reportedly travel through each grade level as the class honors her memory, the school said.