The search for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, who vanished from her Livingston-area neighborhood after failing to board her school bus last Thursday morning, continues to intensify. Authorities, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), have been working tirelessly to locate the missing girl, with the investigation taking significant steps forward in recent days.

Person of Interest Identified: Don Steven McDougal

Officials have identified 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal as a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance. McDougal, described as a friend of Audrii’s father, had been living in a trailer behind their house and occasionally taking her to school. While McDougal has been cooperating with investigators to some extent, authorities are leaving no stone unturned and are exploring all potential angles, including other suspects.

McDougal’s cooperation has led investigators to certain locations relevant to Audrii’s disappearance. However, specific details remain undisclosed to the public to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, according to TxDPS officials.

Key Pieces of Evidence and Criminal Investigation

One crucial piece of evidence in the case is a backpack believed to belong to Audrii, discovered by authorities. This discovery has shifted the investigation into a criminal one, with authorities refraining from adding or removing charges against McDougal or any other individuals at this stage.

McDougal, who is believed to have been the last person seen with Audrii before she went missing, has been subjected to thorough questioning and taken to various locations to establish a comprehensive timeline of events surrounding her disappearance. Additionally, McDougal’s arrest on an unrelated assault charge has added another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Rumors and Public Appeal

Amidst the ongoing investigation, rumors have surfaced suggesting McDougal’s potential affiliation with a Neo-Nazi group, the Aryan Brotherhood, although these claims remain unconfirmed. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward, emphasizing the critical role the community plays in assisting law enforcement agencies in locating missing individuals.

How You Can Help

As the search for Audrii Cunningham persists, authorities stress the importance of community involvement. Anyone with information regarding Audrii’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 327-6810 or call 911 immediately. Additionally, the Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for Audrii’s disappearance, with tips being accepted anonymously through their hotline or website.

Unwavering Determination in the Search for Audrii

The search for Audrii Cunningham continues to be a top priority for law enforcement agencies and the community at large. With each passing day, efforts to locate Audrii and bring her safely home only intensify. As authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Audrii’s disappearance, the support and cooperation of the public are invaluable in ensuring a swift resolution to this distressing situation.

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