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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.