Search continues for Livingston girl, new information revealed about person of interest

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KBTX) – The search continues for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who was last seen near her home on the morning of Feb. 15, in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive.

Audrii, who should have caught the school bus at her neighborhood stop, did not board the bus, and school officials reported her absence to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided an update on the investigation Monday afternoon.

During a press conference, Lt. Craig Cummings with DPS said the Polk County Crimes Stoppers award has increased to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance.

Since Audrii’s disappearance, the public has submitted video to investigators that they say has been helpful.

“The videos submitted to investigators by the community has been very helpful,” said Cummings. “We’re looking for additional video on FM 3126 that shows the highway. This video would’ve been on Thursday, Feb. 15 between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.”

Authorities are also asking people to stay away from Scenic Loop 277. Law enforcement is investigating the area and says they don’t want people to accidentally disturb any evidence.

On Feb. 17, authorities identified 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal, of Livingston, as a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance. Rumors about McDougal have circulated online since he was arrested on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault.

“We also want to address some rumors that have been circulating,” Cummings said. “McDougal is not required to register as a sex offender. We would refer you to the various counties that prosecuted McDougal for inquiries regarding his criminal history. We also want to say that McDOugal presides in a camper behind the residence where Audrii lives with her father, grandparents and other family.”

Authorities say in 2008, he was convicted on a charge of enticing a child in another county.

While McDougal is a person of interest in the investigation, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said they’re not ruling anyone else out at this time.

“Mr. McDougal is our main person of interest, but we are not ruling anyone else out who might be involved. We are not honing in on just this one individual. We’re making sure that we’re covering all stones,” said Lyons.

The sheriff did say he believes the child’s backpack found near the Lake Livingston Dam belongs to Audrii, but they have not given up hope that the 11-year-old is alive.

“I’m hoping and praying that she’s still alive. I am not giving up hope that we’ll be able to bring Audrii back alive,” said Lyons.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Information can be reported through the iWatchTx app or online.

Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance. Tips, including anonymous ones, can be reported to 936-327-STOP or www.polkcountycs.org.