Crime
Don Steven McDougal accepted a plea deal for the murder of 11 year-old Audrii Cunningham
Don Steven McDougal, 42, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after accepting a plea deal for the murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham in February 2024.
Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from Polk County, Texas, disappeared on February 15, 2024. McDougal, a family friend who lived in a trailer on the Cunningham family’s property, had been entrusted with walking Audrii to her school bus stop that morning.
When Audrii failed to return home, an extensive search was launched by local law enforcement, volunteers, and federal authorities. Tragically, on February 20, 2024, her body was discovered in the Trinity River.
Authorities confirmed that a large rock had been tied to her body, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime.
McDougal’s criminal record revealed prior convictions, including charges of enticing a child and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
These past offenses raised questions about his proximity to the Cunningham family and the circumstances that allowed him to remain in their trust.
Initially charged with capital murder, McDougal faced the death penalty. However, in a plea agreement reached on January 17, 2025, he accepted a life sentence without the possibility of parole, thereby avoiding a trial and potential execution.
This resolution ensures McDougal will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life, bringing some measure of finality to the legal process for Audrii’s grieving family.
The murder of Audrii Cunningham has profoundly affected her family and the Polk County community, leaving behind lingering questions and a sense of loss.
The plea deal spares the family the emotional toll of a lengthy trial but does not diminish the tragedy of the events that transpired.
Local officials and community leaders continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and child safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Cunningham family expressed gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement and the community in seeking justice for Audrii. As they work through their grief, they remain steadfast in honoring her memory.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.