The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office reported that the autopsy of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old girl missing in Texas since last week, revealed that she died from homicidal violence, including blunt force head trauma. This was revealed by office records to which CNN had access.
The information about the autopsy became known after authorities indicated that they had found the body of Audrii Cunningham. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons explained that the minor's body was found in the Trinity River.
Audrii Cunningham did not get off the school bus on February 15, and authorities discovered that she never made it onto the school bus that morning when she left her home.
"Arrest warrants are in process"
Meanwhile, prosecutor Shelly Sitton explained that they are in the process of preparing arrest warrants against suspects for the death of the minor. He stressed that it is likely that his office will request the death penalty for those responsible for the incident.
"Based on all of the evidence that law enforcement has collected, they are in the process of preparing the appropriate arrest warrants," Sitton said.
Already, a 42-year-old man identified as Don Steven McDougal was arrested on an unrelated assault charge and remains in the custody of authorities. McDougal was the last person seen with her and gave information to authorities about Cunningham's disappearance.
"Around 7 a.m. Thursday, McDougal and Audrii left the house for the bus stop, authorities said. That was the last time Audrii’s family saw her. She never made it onto the school bus or to school that day," CNN highlighted.
McDougal has a lengthy criminal past with convictions for violent crimes and another for enticing a child, according to court records in several Texas counties.
