Don McDougal accepts plea deal for killing Audrii Cunningham in Livingston, Texas

HOUSTON, Texas — The man responsible for killing an 11-year-old girl last year will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Don McDougal agreed to a plea deal for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Audrii Cunningham, as confirmed by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office on Friday. The terms of the agreement state that McDougal will receive a life sentence in prison, with no chance of appeal or parole.

Audrii was reported missing after not boarding her neighborhood school bus in Livingston in February 2024, sparking an intense search.

Audrii’s remains were discovered in the Trinity River approximately one week following her disappearance. According to the findings of the medical examiner’s office, Audrii’s death was a result of homicidal violence, specifically suffering blunt head trauma. However, officials did not disclose any additional details surrounding the case.

Investigators revealed that McDougal was acquainted with Audrii’s father and had been residing in a trailer located on their property in Livingston. At the time he became a suspect, McDougal was already detained on a separate charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

McDougal was charged and indicted with capital murder, and while that charge can carry the death penalty, in this case authorities say he was not eligible for a death penalty sentence under the existing law. The DA’s office stated that Texas law limits the ability of a prosecutor to seek the death penalty under circumstances where a defendant has significant documented intellectual and developmental disabilities.