Exploring the Tragic Murder of 11-Year-Old Audrii Cunningham
The Murder Case Against Don Steven McDougal
Cell phone data, video footage, and other forensic evidence indicated that McDougal, who was questioned after being arrested on Feb. 16 for an unrelated offense, had “lied about his whereabouts and activities” on the day Cunningham disappeared after leaving her house in his 2003 Chevy Suburban, as stated in the charging document.
The authorities were able to track McDougal’s movements through phone data, video analysis, and information provided by McDougal himself, leading them to the location under the US 59 bridge where Cunningham was found, as reported by Lyons to reporters. The community’s assistance in sending videos through social media played a crucial role in the investigation.
According to the charging document, phone records and videos placed McDougal at “three locations of interest,” with evidence linking him to the child victim discovered at two of those locations. Furthermore, the rope found to tie the rock to the girl matched the rope seen in McDougal’s vehicle during a previous traffic stop.
Lyon informed reporters on Feb. 20 that McDougal had shown concern for Cunningham’s welfare by knocking on doors, but he suggested that the suspect was attempting to create the impression that he was not involved in her disappearance.