- Audrii Cunningham, 11, was reported missing after she failed to show up at school Thursday, authorities say
- Police say Don Steven McDougal owns a vehicle they believe may be connected to Audrii’s disappearance
- McDougal has been convicted of child molestation in the past, according to multiple reports
Police in Texas have identified a person of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audria Cunningham, who was reported missing after failing to show up at school Thursday, according to authorities.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Don Steven McDougal, 42, on an unrelated charge, the Texas Department of Public Safety – Southeast Texas Region said in a statement over the weekend. He was charged with aggravated assault for an unrelated incident Friday, jail records show.
McDougal is “one of the persons of interest” in Audrii’s disappearance, authorities say. The sheriff’s office did not comment on how many persons of interest they have identified so far in the investigation.
Audrii was last seen near her home around 7 a.m. local time Thursday in Livingston, Texas, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release early Friday morning. “Audrii was supposed to catch the school bus at her neighborhood bus stop; however, school officials notified the sheriff’s office that the school bus did not pick Audrii up, nor did she report to school,” the statement said.
In an updated statement, authorities said they believe a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban belonging to McDougal is connected to Audrii’s disappearance. They are asking for the public’s help in reporting any vehicles seen on Thursday or Friday.
Audra Cunningham.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Police also found “a small backpack believed to belong to a child” near the Lake Livingston Dam, according to the affidavit. Audrii was wearing a bright red “Hello Kitty” backpack at the time of her disappearance, but police did not say anything else about the backpack they found.
McDougal has previous convictions for luring a child, FOX 26, KHOU 11 and Click 2 Houston report, citing court records.
Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, believes McDougal could be a friend of Audrii’s father, according to FOX 26.
Amber Alert for a Texas girl, 11, who did not get on the school bus Thursday
Want to keep up with the latest crime reports? Sign up for PEOPLE the free True Crime newsletter for the latest crime news, tracking ongoing trials and details on intriguing unsolved cases.
The sheriff’s office describes Audrii as “a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes. She weighs 75 pounds and is approximately 4 feet 1 inch tall.”
She was last seen wearing black pants, a black hoodie with white writing and black high-top sneakers, the sheriff’s office said.
“Sheriff Lyons is asking anyone with information about this case to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 936-327-6810,” the press release said. A $7,000 reward was also offered “for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance,” the statement said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety sent out an Amber Alert to residents across Texas late Thursday night, according to local ABC 13. Austin American Statesman reported that authorities believe the 11-year-old is in serious or imminent danger.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education