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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.