Person of Interest Arrested in Case of Missing East Texas Girl

Investigators continue to actively follow leads in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. Authorities have identified 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal of Livingston as one of the persons of interest involved in the alleged abduction.

McDougal was arrested Friday by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault. He was booked into the Polk County Jail at 11:50 p.m. Friday night (2/16/2024)

 Investigators believe that a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, belonging to McDougal, was involved in the disappearance and are asking for the public’s help in reporting any sightings of the vehicle on Thursday or Friday. 

Also, yesterday (Friday) a small backpack that likely belonged to a child was located near the Lake Livingston Dam. The dam is located approximately a mile south of the girl's last known location on Lakeside Drive near Lake Livingston State Park. 

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who has any information related to the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 936-329-9040.

An Amber Alert was issued late Thursday night and continues to be in effect. 

Information can also be reported on our iWatchTx app or by clicking the link below: https://iwatchtx.org/index.html.

The Polk County Crime Stoppers is now offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance. Tips as well as anonymous tips can be reported to 936-329-9040 or www.polkcountycs.org. 

Local law enforcement along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, and FBI among many others have been investigating this case.