We proceed to study extra disturbing particulars concerning the man suspected of killing Audrii Cunningham.
As we’ve reported, Don Steven McDougal has been charged with capital homicide in connection to the loss of life of the 11-year-old. Audrii was reported lacking on February 15 after she by no means made it to her bus cease or faculty that day. McDougal — a pal of her father who lived in a trailer behind the Cunninghams — typically watched the kid and even introduced her to her bus cease that day. On the day of her disappearance, he had been the final individual to see her alive, shortly making him an individual of curiosity within the case.
When the 42-year-old was arrested on unrelated fees, his statements, together with cellphone data and surveillance footage, led police to search out Audrii’s physique in Trinity River. Her stays had been tied to a rock with a rope on the backside. In line with the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Workplace, she died of “homicidal violence together with blunt head trauma.” So, so terrible. As we talked about, McDougal has since been charged together with her homicide.
Associated: Lawyer Says Convicting Accused Audrii Cunningham Killer May Be Difficult
The opposite issues is, this isn’t the primary time the suspect has been in some critical bother with the regulation. Audrii isn’t even his first alleged underage sufferer — he was charged with attractive a minor a number of years in the past. Yeah, you learn that proper. McDougal was allowed to be alone with Audrii — regardless of him beforehand being charged with attractive a minor. And, you recognize, wanting like that.
And now, the sufferer in that incident is talking out concerning the horrors she skilled.
Carissa Davis defined to ABC 13 she was 10 years outdated in March 2007 when McDougal attended a household gathering at her uncle’s house in Brazoria County, Texas. His sisters had been buddies of her household and introduced him alongside for the occasion. However that night shortly grew to become a nightmare, Carissa says, when McDougal assaulted her. She recalled to the outlet:
“He got here into the room that me and my cousin have been sleeping in.”
Carissa stated McDougal pulled her cousin out of the mattress after which received in together with her earlier than making an attempt to take off her pants:
“(He) tried to take down my pants, and I instantly jumped up at that second. I bear in mind taking a look at him. I used to be like, ‘Are you aware how outdated I’m?’”
When Carissa ran to the door, she remembered he went after her and “grabbed” her. However she wasn’t taking place and not using a battle. She recollects she “swung my arm” and “hit him.” McDougal continued to chase after her. However fortunately, Carissa was in a position to alert her aunt to what was occurring earlier than he might get to her once more. This poor lady.
After 17 years, Carissa finally noticed McDougal once more — when an image of him appeared in connection to Audrii’s disappearance. She instantly acknowledged him, even all these years later. Now, she can not assist however surprise what might have occurred if she had not escaped him that night time. Breaking down in tears, she stated:
“Everyone was nonetheless asleep. I imply, my uncle’s yard was the woods. I imply, it might have been me.”
Following the assault, KHOU 11 reported about McDougal’s conviction in reference to the incident. He pleaded no contest to 2 counts — and was sentenced to solely two years in jail. Infuriatingly, McDougal was not even required to register as a intercourse offender! Trying again, Carissa feels he ought to have been in jail for longer. And within the wake of Audrii’s homicide, she believes the county “failed” all of his victims:
“I feel Brazoria County positively failed me and failed Audrii and presumably extra.”
Our hearts break for Carissa and Audrii. It’s horrific what occurred to them. You may watch the emotional interview (beneath):
If you happen to or somebody you recognize has skilled sexual violence and wish to study extra about assets, contemplate testing https://www.rainn.org/assets.
In case you have honest trigger to suspect little one abuse, name the Childhelp Nationwide Youngster Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Youngster or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
[Image via ABC7/YouTube, Polk County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook]
