LIVINGSTON, Texas – Law enforcement officers are searching for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham Sunday morning.
This is the third day of the search.
Investigators continue to actively follow leads in this case, but we do not have any significant updates to report at this time.
— TxDPS - Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) February 18, 2024
However, law enforcement remains thankful for all the tips being provided and for all the efforts of everyone involved in the search for Audrii. https://t.co/q3ppdxae5K
On Saturday, authorities said one of the persons of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii was arrested on an unrelated charge.
During a press conference, Lt. Craig Cummings with the Texas Department of Public Safety said Don Steven McDougal, 42, was arrested Friday on an aggravated assault charge.
McDougal has a long criminal record with more than a dozen convictions, including attempted indecency with a child and enticing a child.
Cummings said investigators searched several locations overnight, but did not find Audrii.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen a 2003 dark blue Chevrolet Suburban on Thursday or Friday to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle was involved in Audrii’s disappearance.
Cummings said the vehicle belongs to McDougal and that they have control of it, but they want to hear from anyone who may have seen it.
Cummings said investigators did find a backpack near the Lake Livingston dam Friday which they said was consistent with belonging to a child. Other items were also found, according to Cummings, but authorities are not revealing what those items were at this time.
Cummings said based on the evidence they currently have, they believe foul play may be a factor in Audrii’s disappearance.
In addition, Cummings said Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance.
On Saturday, dozens of searchers combed over miles of land and water searching for Audrii.
“We sonared a lot of water today. We searched a lot of areas,” said Texas Equusearch founder Tim Miller.
Texas Equusearch used sonar detection in Lake Livingston looking for any signs of Audrii.
“All I can say is, we know where she’s not put it like that,” Miller said.
Investigators say they are still searching for Audrii with hopes of finding her alive, however, with temperatures dropping into the thirties, it would be tough for anyone to survive another night exposed to the elements.
A prayer service for Cunningham is scheduled for Sunday.
