POLK COUNTY, Texas – A prayer service was held Sunday for Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from Livingston who’s been missing since Thursday.
Audrii disappeared Thursday morning, never making it on the school bus that morning. Her disappearance prompted an AMBER Alert and hundreds of volunteers poured into Livingston to help find her.
The VFW Post #8568 in Polk County held the prayer service for Audrii.
“Audrii was well loved and everything like that. Audrii was well taken care of. Audrii is missed. We want her home,” said Chris Boothe, who spoke for Audrii’s family at the prayer service.
He also asked people to stop spreading rumors on social media about the investigation.
“Audrii loves the VFW and has spent many days making us laugh and learning to dance. Our hearts are breaking. We love you sweet girl,” the VFW posted on social media.
Audrii hasn’t been seen since Thursday morning.
In a press conference on Saturday, the Texas Department of Public Safety named Don Steven McDougal as one of the persons of interest in the child’s disappearance. He was arrested on an unrelated charge this weekend.
UPDATE: Investigators have identified 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal (pictured) of Livingston as one of the persons of interest in the disappearance of Audrii Cunningham.
— TxDPS - Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) February 17, 2024
Report tips to the Polk Co Sheriff’s Office, Polk Co Crime Stoppers, or our iWatchTexas app. https://t.co/OTPcRIRdGv pic.twitter.com/d3AkWmAfg4
The 42-year-old man has a lengthy criminal history, including felony convictions for crimes against children.
Investigators also say they found a backpack that possibly belongs to a child. However, Texas DPS has not said if the backpack belongs to Audrii.