Texas authorities are desperately trying to find an 11-year-old woman who disappeared Thursday after she didn’t get on her college bus – with the one hint of the kid a “Hi there Kitty” backpack discovered close to a reservoir.
Investigators have recognized an individual of curiosity within the heartbreaking case that started final week when Audrii Cunningham by no means stepped onto her bus on the cease close to her dwelling round 7 a.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Workplace stated in a information launch.
An amber alert was rapidly blasted out looking for the 4’1″ woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was final seen carrying black pants and a black hoodie whereas carrying a vivid pink “Hi there Kitty” model backpack.
An individual of curiosity, Don Steven McDougal, 42, was taken into custody Friday on an unrelated cost of aggravated assault, state authorities stated.
Investigators suspect McDougal’s darkish blue 2003 Chevy Suburban is concerned in Cunningham’s disappearance, in response to the Texas Division of Public Security.
The state police additionally confirmed regulation enforcement found a small backpack close to Lake Livingston Dam that seemingly belonged to the woman.
“We want to have her come dwelling, it’s not like her to simply run off or disappear, she has quite a lot of loving household, she has so many individuals that love her and adore her,” her nervous mom Cassie Matthews advised KPRC the day after she disappeared.
Matthews stated her daughter was presently residing together with her father and grandmother.
“Onerous is an understatement, that is the stuff you see on TV and you may solely think about what the household and the mother and father are going via and there’s not phrases for it,” she advised the station.
“There may be not one feeling you’re feeling, it’s a curler coaster, you might be damaged, you might be mad, you might be empty and proper now I’m empty.
“She has so many alternatives forward of her, and he or she deserves each proper to have the ability to attain these alternatives.”
The sheriff’s workplace, which is getting assist from a number of companies, together with the FBI, stated the investigation into Cunningham’s whereabouts is “energetic and ongoing.”
Authorities have been on the lake Sunday as associates of the woman’s household prayed for her secure return.
“I do know Audrii cherished her grandmother, her father, her brother and household,” resident Chris Boothe stated, in accordance to KPRC. “We would like Audrii dwelling.”
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The Texas Division of Public Security is providing a $7,000 reward for data tied to the case.
Investigators proceed to actively comply with leads on this case, however we do not need any important updates to report at the moment,” the division stated. “Nonetheless, regulation enforcement stays grateful for all the guidelines being supplied and for all of the efforts of everybody concerned within the seek for Audrii.”