Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old found dead in a river five days after she went missing in Texas, died of blunt force trauma to the head, authorities confirmed to PEOPLE.
Her cause of death was “homicidal violence” and her manner of death was ruled a homicide, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences tells PEOPLE.
Institute officials did not comment when asked about other possible injuries. Audria was reported missing on Feb. 15 when she failed to show up at school in Livingston, Texas, authorities said at the time.
Don Steven McDougal, 42, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death, authorities said.
The man accused of murdering Audria Cunningham was a family friend who was involved in the search for her: the sheriff
McDougal was arrested on an unrelated assault charge the day after Audrii disappeared, but was quickly named a person of interest, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Audrii’s body was discovered on Feb. 20, and Polk County authorities charged McDougal with capital murder in connection with her death the next day, the sheriff’s office confirmed to PEOPLE.
In a charging document reviewed by PEOPLE, authorities claim they found Audrii’s body tied to a “large rock” with rope that was “consistent” with the rope found in the suspect’s car days earlier.
Don Steven McDougal.
Montgomery County Jail
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McDougal was the last person seen with Audrii, according to authorities, and the man had been entrusted to her care on previous occasions. He lived in a trailer on Audrii’s family property, CNN reported, citing authorities.
McDougal reportedly told authorities he left the home with Audrii the morning she disappeared, but declined to provide any further information, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said, ABC 13 previously reported.
McDougal has previous convictions for luring a child, FOX 26, KHOU 11 and Click 2 Houston reported, citing court records.
It is not clear whether McDougal has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
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Source: HIS Education