historic downtown Livingston — location anchor for the case — Credit: CC BY 3.0
On February 15, 2024, 11-year-old Audrii Danielle Cunningham (born February 5, 2013) was reported missing after she failed to show up at her school bus stop in Livingston, Texas. Her backpack was found near Lake Livingston, and an Amber Alert was issued for her. Five days later, on February 20, 2024, her body was recovered from the nearby Trinity River.
The day after Cunningham disappeared, 42-year-old Don McDougal was taken into custody on a charge of aggravated assault. McDougal was a friend of Cunningham's father and lived in a trailer on the family's property; he sometimes transported Audrii to the bus stop before her disappearance. Following the discovery of her body, McDougal was charged with murder. He was held without bail throughout the proceedings.
According to the case record, McDougal had accumulated a lengthy criminal history in Texas dating back to 2003, including charges of assault, theft, and possession of methamphetamine, as well as a child molestation charge that was pled down to "enticing a minor," a plea that allowed him to avoid placement on the sex offender registry; he was sentenced to two years in prison for that offense. His most recent prior sentence, two years for unauthorized use of a vehicle, was completed in September 2022. Before his arrest in this case, McDougal posted on Facebook stating he was "not guilty."
On April 22, 2024, McDougal was indicted on two counts of capital murder. An autopsy determined that Audrii died of blunt head trauma. A memorial service was held for her on March 2, 2024.
On January 17, 2025, Don McDougal pleaded guilty to Cunningham's murder and was automatically sentenced to life without parole.
Cunningham disappears while traveling to her school bus stop in Livingston, Texas; reported missing, backpack found near Lake Livingston, Amber Alert issued.
2024-02-16
Don McDougal is taken into custody on a charge of aggravated assault.
2024-02-20
Cunningham's body is recovered from the Trinity River; McDougal is charged with murder.
2024-03-02
A memorial service is held for Cunningham.
2024-04-22
McDougal is indicted on two counts of capital murder.
2025-01-17
McDougal pleads guilty to Cunningham's murder and is automatically sentenced to life without parole.
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Titles and descriptions are the creators’ own and may not reflect current legal status; see the dossier above for sourced case facts.
VIDEO
Annie Elise / 31 min
Audrii Cunningham: BREAKING Steven McDougal Affidavit REVEALED!
People
Audrii Cunningham
VICTIM
11-year-old victim who disappeared en route to her school bus stop and was found dead in the Trinity River.
Don McDougal
CONVICTED
Family friend charged with murder and two counts of capital murder; pleaded guilty in January 2025 and was sentenced to life without parole.
Roles reflect public records and court outcomes at the time of writing — supporting citations are on file under Sources.
Archival records
archival location
historic downtown Livingston — location anchor for the case
Eleven-year-old Audrii Cunningham disappeared on her way to a school bus stop in Livingston, Texas, on February 15, 2024. Her body was recovered five days later in the Trinity River. Don McDougal, a 42-year-old family friend who sometimes drove her to the bus stop, was charged with her murder and pleaded guilty in January 2025, receiving an automatic sentence of life without parole.
Where did the murder happen?
Livingston, Texas, United States.
Who was convicted?
Don McDougal (Family friend charged with murder and two counts of capital murder; pleaded guilty in January 2025 and was sentenced to life without parole.).
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