Audrii Cunningham's cause of death involved blunt force head trauma, records show

Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from Texas, was killed by a family friend, according to the medical examiner’s office. The cause of her death was determined to be homicidal violence involving blunt head trauma. Audrii went missing on her way to school, prompting a five-day search that ended when her remains were found in a river near her home. A friend of Audrii’s father, Don Steven McDougal, has been charged with capital murder in relation to her death. McDougal had agreed to take Audrii to her school bus stop but she never made it. Investigation revealed that McDougal had lied about his whereabouts and activities during the time Audrii went missing. When Audrii’s remains were discovered, a large rock was tied around her body using a rope that matched the one found in McDougal’s vehicle during a traffic stop. The community held a vigil to mourn Audrii’s loss, remembering her friendly nature and infectious smile. Her mother, Cassie Matthews, expressed her grief and described Audrii as an amazing girl.