Killing of Audrii Cunningham

On February 15, 2024, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham disappeared while traveling to her school bus stop in Livingston, Texas, United States. Her body was recovered on February 20 in the nearby Trinity River. A 42-year-old family friend was charged with murder in connection to her death.

Suspect
A 42-year-old suspect was taken into custody on charges of aggravated assault on February 16, the day after Cunningham's disappearance. After the discovery of her body, he was charged with murder.

The suspect was a friend of Cunningham's father and lived in a trailer on their property. He sometimes transported Audrii to the bus stop before her disappearance. From 2003 until his arrest, the suspect incurred a lengthy criminal record in Texas, including charges of assault, theft, possession of methamphetamine, and child molestation. He was sentenced to two years in prison for the latter charge. His latest sentence, two years in prison for unauthorized use of a vehicle, was completed in September 2022. Before his arrest, he allegedly posted on Facebook, defending himself from accusations of guilt.

Aftermath
An autopsy determined that Audrii died of blunt head trauma. A memorial service was held for Cunningham on March 2. On April 22, McDougal was indicted on two counts of capital murder.