Authorities in Texas have apprehended a 27-year-old man suspected in the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl who was missing for eight days before being found safe. The man, hailing from Houston, was charged with evading authorities after attempting to flee from officers in Columbus. The Columbus Police Department revealed that they received information on Friday afternoon indicating that the missing girl was in Columbus, located about 94 miles west of Houston.
The girl's identity was confirmed, and she was subsequently taken to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston for evaluation. The Houston Police Department had issued an Amber Alert for the girl after she was last seen on February 22 entering a pickup truck in the city.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Colorado County jail, with the possibility of additional charges pending as the FBI conducts an investigation, as stated by the Columbus police. This arrest follows closely on the heels of another abduction case involving a young girl in the Houston area.
Meanwhile, a memorial service was held for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who tragically lost her life. Cunningham was allegedly killed by a family friend with a history of violence. Don McDougal faces charges of capital murder in connection with Cunningham's death. Reports indicate that McDougal was supposed to escort Cunningham to a school bus stop, but she went missing on February 15. Her body was discovered on February 20 in a river near Houston.
