11-year-old Texas girl missing after she didn’t get on the school bus—her things were found near a lake
In the small town of Polk County, Texas, a community has been shaken by the mysterious disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, a local girl known for her bright smile and loving nature.
On February 15, Audrii vanished without a trace on her way to school, sparking a massive and urgent search operation.
Audrii, a petite girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, was last seen close to her home. She is about 4 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 75 pounds. On the day she disappeared, she was wearing black pants, a black hoodie with white marks, and black high-top tennis shoes. Her bright red “Hello Kitty” backpack, which she was carrying, has made her easily identifiable.
The search for Audrii has expanded beyond local efforts, drawing in multiple law enforcement agencies including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Ranger Division, Department of Public Safety, and others. These teams, alongside local fire departments and the Texas State Guard, have been combing through the area tirelessly since her disappearance.
Audrii’s mother, Cassie Matthews, shared her family’s profound distress and confusion over the sudden disappearance of her daughter. She described Audrii as someone not known to stray away or hide, making her disappearance all the more alarming. The family has been left in a state of anguish, desperately hoping for her safe return.
In a twist to the ongoing search, 42-year-old Livingston resident Don Steven McDougal has been identified as a person of interest. A potential link to a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban has been drawn, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. Additionally, a child’s backpack, similar in appearance to Audrii’s, was found near Lake Livingston Dam, redirecting search efforts to this area.
The emotional impact on the Cunningham family has been profound. Cassie Matthews likened their experience to living through a nightmare, a sentiment echoed by many who have been following the case. The family and community hold onto hope, bolstered by the Polk County Crime Stoppers, who have offered a $7,000 reward for information leading to Audrii’s safe return.
As the search continues, the community and law enforcement remain dedicated to finding Audrii. Cassie holds onto hope, reflecting on her daughter’s future and the opportunities that await her. The Cunningham family, in this challenging time, is surrounded by thoughts and prayers from people near and far, all wishing for Audrii’s safe return home.
