The crime scene to find Audrii Cunningham was declared around US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge.
Texas authorities confirmed Tuesday that missing 11-year-old girl Audrii Cunningham was found dead in the Trinity River, while officials are in the process of determining the cause of her death.
Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton told reporters Tuesday that Don Steven McDougal is in custody and will be charged with capital murder in connection with his death.
McDougal lived behind Audrii Cunningham's house in a trailer in Livingston.
A case will be presented “based on all the evidence,” he said.
A crime scene was declared around an area of US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge.
Water levels were lowered to help divers locate the 11-year-old boy's body. However, authorities did not reveal the condition of his body, which is currently undergoing medical examination.
Audrii disappeared on Thursday, February 15 after she failed to make it to her school bus, according to authorities.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons testified that McDougal admitted he left the house with Audrii in the morning when she disappeared, but did not reveal what happened after that.
“We believe there is sufficient evidence,” Lyons said.
A ABC13 The report noted Tuesday that the suspect was charged with attempted indecency with a child about 17 years ago in Brazoria County, which would have required him to register as a sex offender.
However, he pleaded guilty to child enticement in 2008. The charge does not require sex offender registration.
ABC13 He also revealed that McDougal was seen at an auto shop near Highway 59 in Livingston when Audrii disappeared.
McDougal agreed to take investigators to several locations after her disappearance, including the Livingston Dam, where officials discovered what they believe is the girl's wet backpack, Lyons said.
Lyons also said McDougal has not yet confessed to anything related to Audrii's disappearance. He was arrested on Friday.
“We will continue to process the evidence that has been gathered to ensure justice is served for Audrii,” Lyons said.
