The body of missing Texas girl Audrii Cunningham has been found, according to a tragic update given by authorities in Texas.
As per reports, the 11-year-old’s body was found in the Trinity River in Livingston, Pole County after a widespread search that began when she failed to show up for school on February 15.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed the discovery of Audrii’s body in a press conference yesterday, revealing that evidence was still being processed. “We will continue to process the evidence that has been gathered to ensure that there is justice for Audrii,” Sheriff Lyons said.
The heartbreaking update comes after a backpack (allegedly one that looks similar to a child’s) was found near Lake Livingston Dam. Earlier this week Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, told Click 2 Houston:
“This is the stuff you see on TV where you can only imagine what the families and the parents are going through. Right now, I am empty.”
According to Fox News, the 11-year-old should have boarded her school bus on the morning of February 15, but never made it on the bus or to school that day.
A search operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, Livingston Police Department, Texas State Guard, and local fire departments was launched, culminating in the discovery of Audrii’s body yesterday.
Polk Count District Attorney Shelly Sitton said yesterday that her office is now preparing arrest warrants for one Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old man who lived close to the young girl’s family home.
McDougal was arrested on Friday on unrelated charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. At that time, authorities gave him “several opportunities to cooperate” with their investigation into Audrii’s disappearance, explained Lt. Craig Cummings, with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Southeast Texas.
“He was probably taking her to…the bus stop, and we do feel that he was the last person to see Audrii,” Polk County Sheriff Lyons said.
Fox New said McDougal lives in a camper behind the residence where Audrii lived with her father, grandparents, and other family.
Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton made it clear that the authorities are eyeing capital murder charges for the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance.
Rest in peace, sweet girl. Our hearts go out to her loved ones at this devastating time.
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