Missing 11-year-old's body found tied to 'large rock' with rope linked to suspect facing capital murder

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

LIVINGSTON, TEXAS: The lifeless body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was discovered tied to a "large rock" underwater, with a rope eerily similar to one found in the vehicle of the suspect now facing capital murder charges.

Authorities made this disturbing revelation as they filed charges against Don McDougal, a 42-year-old family friend and babysitter of the victim who lived in their camper.

Don McDougal to face murder charges

The tragic find occurred as a dive team combed the Trinity River in a rural area north of Houston, concluding a five-day search that began when Audrii was last seen leaving home with McDougal on Thursday, February 15. 

Upon retrieval, law enforcement found "a large rock tied to the child victim’s body," noting that the rope used matched the one observed in McDougal’s vehicle during a traffic stop just two days prior, establishing a haunting connection.

Digital trails link Don McDougal to key locations

Audrii was last seen at around 7 am on Thursday, February 17 in Livingston, about 80 miles northeast of Houston. She was supposed to catch the bus to school but never did. Her family called the police after she didn't get off the bus after school. 

Video footage and cell phone data further implicated McDougal, placing him "at three locations of interest," including the river where Audrii's body was ultimately recovered.

Autopsy pending as authorities investigate Audrii Cunningham's cause of death

The evidence gathered was deemed "sufficient" to charge McDougal with the offense of capital murder. The suspect, with a history that includes prison time for enticing a child, was described as “a friend of the Cunningham family and resided on the family property in a camp over camper” and “had access to the interior of the child victim’s home," as per KPRC.

Arrested on an unrelated assault charge on Friday, McDougal remained in Polk County Jail when Audrii's lifeless body was found. He is currently held without bond, and it remains unclear whether he has legal representation. Audrii's cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.