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Following the tragic passing of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, Livingston Independent School District, where she was a student, has announced the establishment of a scholarship in her memory.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins revealed on Thursday that the Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship will be integrated into the Green and White Scholarship Ceremony scheduled for May 7, 2024.
“We welcome any contributions to this scholarship fund through the Green and White Program. Audrii had a deep love for school, so what better way to honor her legacy than by assisting a student in pursuing further education.”
Audrii was a student at Creekside Elementary School, where she was recognized as an exceptional student. Dr. Hawkins mentioned that her vibrant artwork adorns the school’s lobby.
The 11-year-old was reported missing on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, after she failed to reach her school bus stop that morning.
Two days later, a family friend, Don Steven McDougal, was arrested on an unrelated charge and became a person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance.
On Feb. 20, officials declared the area where they were searching for Audrii a crime scene, which led to the discovery of her body tied to a rock in the Trinity River. An autopsy revealed she died from blunt head force trauma.
McDougal was identified as a suspect and faced potential capital murder charges. He resided in a trailer behind Audrii’s home in Livingston.
Recent criminal records indicate that McDougal was indicted for attempted indecency with a child almost 17 years ago in Brazoria County, which would have mandated him to register as a sex offender. However, he pleaded down to child enticement in 2008, a charge that does not necessitate sex offender registration.
Online records further reveal McDougal’s extensive criminal history spanning two decades, including numerous arrests.
Officials disclosed that McDougal admitted to leaving the house with Audrii on the morning she disappeared but refused to divulge further details to investigators.