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
Suspect Identified in Highlands Ranch Main Event Shooting
The suspect, Crowley-Sanders, was immediately detained at the scene.

Highlands Ranch, CO – Authorities have identified the suspect in the recent shooting inside Main Event Highlands Ranch as 23-year-old Nevaeha Crowley-Sanders of Denver.
She was taken into custody and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the case will be referred to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.
It is important to note that all charges are allegations at this stage, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an active shooter at Main Event, located at 64 West Centennial Boulevard, shortly before midnight on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Deputies arriving at the scene discovered that multiple rounds had been fired inside the entertainment venue, leading to the injury of a female victim who sustained gunshot wounds to her chest and foot.
The suspect, Crowley-Sanders, was immediately detained at the scene.
As deputies secured the area, one officer encountered a male suspect armed with a handgun in the parking lot.
The deputy issued multiple commands for the individual to drop the weapon, but the suspect continued moving between parked vehicles.
When the armed man turned toward the deputy, the officer discharged their firearm, fatally wounding him. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms at the scene and are working to determine the full sequence of events.
Authorities believe the deceased male was connected to the initial shooting inside the building, but his exact role in the incident is still under investigation.
In accordance with standard protocol, the 23rd Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team will oversee the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the review.
Sheriff Darren Weekly has emphasized the importance of transparency and assured the public that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities urge the community to refrain from speculation and allow investigators time to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The safety of residents remains the top priority, and officials commend the swift response of law enforcement in containing a potentially deadly situation.
Call for Information:
Anyone with additional details regarding the shootings is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7549.