21 February 2024 , 09:29
575
0
The mother of murdered Audrii Cunningham says she is consumed by 'overwhelming guilt' as the tragic 11-year-old's body was found in a river almost a week after she went missing.
It brings to an end a desperate six-day search for the missing schoolgirl with the man allegedly responsible for the disappearance charged with capital murder, having already been held for an unrelated felony. Polk County district's attorney said they have filed capital murder charges against Don Steven McDougal as the battle for justice resumes.
Now Cassie Matthews has spoken of her devastation via a family friend, who shared a statement following the news. “The indescribable pain and overwhelming guilt that consumes a parent when they lose a young child is unimaginable. The tragic and horrific way in which Audrii was taken from us has left a void that can never be filled," it read.
READ MORE:Audrii Cunningham missing: Suspect said 'I'm not guilty' during search for 11-year-old
Her mom Cassie Matthews has spoken of her heartache (KPRC2)"A piece of Cassie’s soul was ripped away the moment she was murdered. Not only did Don Steven McDougal steal Cassie’s child’s life, but he also deprived the world of a truly beautiful and precious human being. The world will never be the same without her presence."
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
District Attorney Shelly Sitton said her office has filed the charges against McDougal, 42, and made a vow to Audrii's family that they will get justice for the girl. "You can assure that the district attorney's office will be just as dedicated to this case as every one of these law enforcement officers that are standing behind you to do what is right for Audrii and bring justice to our community," Sitton told reporters.
Audrii was last seen being dropped off at a bus stop by her father on Thursday, February 15. McDougal's connection to the case is suspected due to his previous interactions with Audrii and her family, and neighbours recall seeing him at Audrii's home. Investigators had taken her body to the medical examiner’s office in Harris County and officials were awaiting information on her cause of death.
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to
Steven McDougal pleaded his innocence while looking for Audrii, according to police (KHOU)He even knocked on doors searching for the youngster while posting to social media "I'm not guilty", according to police. “Some of the witnesses have even said that he was in the community and knocking on doors … asking have they seen her,” sheriff Sitton told CNN. “To me, it simply tells me is that he’s trying to give the appearance that he has no play or he’s not at fault in her disappearance and that (he’s) part of the concerned parties who were trying to locate her.”
The suspect is reported to have taken to social media last week to confess his innocence after posting “I’m not guilty” under a post on the Facebook page “True Crime Society” the day after Audrii Cunningham was reported missing. “I was there and was questioned. I am not running or hiding,” McDougal wrote before commenting again and saying, “I have done everything I can to help find her. I have done nothing wrong.” While another comment reads: “I am the one that went and knocked on the houses by the bus stop to get video footage.”