New information has emerged regarding the case of the 11-year-old girl who went missing after leaving home to catch a school bus in East Texas. Tragically, authorities have confirmed that the body of the missing girl, Audrey Cunningham, has been discovered at the Trinity River on U.S. Highway 59.
Sheriff Byron Lyons made the heartbreaking announcement, expressing his deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Audrey. The investigation led police to question a 42-year-old man, Don Steven McDougal, as a person of interest in Audrey's disappearance. McDougal, who has a lengthy criminal record, resides in a camper van behind Audrey's home.
According to authorities, McDougal admitted to leaving the property with Audrey on the morning she went missing, intending to take her to her school bus stop. However, Audrey never boarded the bus or arrived at school. McDougal is now facing charges of murder in connection with Audrey's death.
Law enforcement officials are in the process of obtaining the necessary arrest warrants for McDougal, with the district attorney indicating that capital murder charges may be pursued. Prosecutors have stated that they will seek the death penalty if the evidence supports such a decision.
