Death penalty still considered for Livingston man accused of killing Audrii Cunningham

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Prosecutors are still considering pursuing the death penalty for a Livingston man accused of killing an 11-year-old girl. Don Steven McDougal was arrested on Friday, Feb. 16, though not initially in connection with the disappearance and eventual death of Audrii Cunningham. McDougal was a family friend of Audrii’s father. He has since been indicted on two counts of capital murder. On Wednesday, a hearing was held where motions were filed, and granted, for depositions to be held. However, Polk County District Attorney Shelley Bush-Sitton also said her office is still considering whether to formally pursue the death penalty should McDougal be convicted. Bush-Sitton said that reports and other information will need to be fully gathered before a final decision is made, though. Audrii’s body was found on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in the Trinity River after she had been missing for nearly a week.