TL/DR –
11-year-old Audrii Cunningham went missing in Livingston, Texas, after she left for school one morning and failed to return. A man living near the family home is now a person of interest, who has been arrested on unrelated assault charges. A red “Hello Kitty” backpack, similar to the one Cunningham was supposed to carry to school, has been found near Lake Livingston Dam.
Audrii Cunningham’s Disappearance: The Known Clues
Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from the small town of Livingston, Texas, vanished last week. A key clue in the mystery could be a red “Hello Kitty” backpack she was carrying to school.
After leaving for the school bus last Thursday, Audrii never boarded the bus. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported finding a small backpack near the Lake Livingston Dam, linking it to the child.
A man arrested for an unrelated assault is considered a person of interest in the case. The man, who resides behind Audrii’s family home, is yet to clarify the girl’s whereabouts.
Details Surrounding the Case
Authorities are investigating what crime may have been committed, maintaining hope that Audrii is alive. The person of interest, a 42-year-old man and family friend, drove a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban believed to be involved in the disappearance.
Audrii was last seen near her home on Lakeside Drive. The home is close to Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in the state, which provides water for Houston and other East Texas cities— according to Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Audrii was reported missing when she didn’t return from school. In response, multiple agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Public Safety, launched a search.
Call for Public Assistance
Authorities are seeking any video footage from a road near the lake between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Thursday. They aim to build a timeline, and haven’t ruled out any potential perpetrators.
The sheriff’s office said Audrii was carrying a red “Hello Kitty” backpack. A similar backpack was found near the Lake Livingston Dam on Friday. However, the investigation remains active.
A Plea from the Mother
Cassie Matthews, Audrii’s mother, told CNN affiliate KPRC that she’s heartbroken. She described her emotional state as a roller coaster, feeling broken and empty, while hoping for Audrii to have the opportunity to reach her potential.
Audrii is described as White, with blond hair and blue eyes, standing around 4 feet 1 inch tall, and weighing roughly 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing black pants, a black hoodie with white lettering, and black high-top tennis shoes. Anyone with information should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 936-327-6810 or submit a tip online.
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