Demand justice for 11 year old Audrii Cunningham, a murdered child for whom an Amber Alert was issued on February 15, 2024 and her remains were found February 20, 2024.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has officially charged Don Steve McDougal for Capital Murder. McDougal is currently being held in the Polk County Jail in Texas and has been denied bond. 

Say her name……. Audrii Cunningham. Our judicial system allowed Predators to roam free while victims pay the price. 

It has come to light that McDougal was previously charged with attempted indecency with a child/enhanced while on parole in 2007. His atrocious acts during this crime involved him climbing in a minors bed and pulling down the child’s pants and panties. He admittedly confirmed his acts were for his own sexual gratification. 

 

 

 

McDougal was given a sweetheart deal and was allowed to plead no contest to the lesser charge of "enticing a child." 

 

 

This plea deal has raised serious concerns as the offense of “enticing a child” is commonly used for custodial disputes and is typically not sexual in nature. The crime committed doesn’t not represent the crime McDougal was convicted of. 

By allowing McDougal to plead to this lesser charge, he avoided being required to register as a sex offender and faced a significantly reduced sentence 2 years compared to the original charge which could have had McDougal receiving a 20 year sentence. This was a major miscarriage of justice to the minor he sexually assaulted in 2007 and Audrii Cunningham. 

This loophole allows individuals who have committed sex crimes against children to evade the consequences and continue to pose a threat to children in the community.

We believe that individuals who have been charged with “Attempted Indecency with a child” has demonstrated predatory behavior and pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of children.

 

 

It is imperative that these individuals be held accountable for their actions and be required to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives to ensure that they are monitored.

We respectfully urge you to review and update the criteria for which a defendant may plead to a lesser charge of “enticing a minor” in the state of Texas. The current criteria does not adequately protect children from potential harm and exploitation and downplays the severity of the crime. 

Current law: Sec. 25.04.  ENTICING A CHILD.  (a)  A person commits an offense if, with the intent to interfere with the lawful custody of a child younger than 18 years, he knowingly entices, persuades, or takes the child from the custody of the parent or guardian or person standing in the stead of the parent or guardian of such child. (b)  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the actor intended to commit a felony against the child, in which event an offense under this section is a felony of the third degree. Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 685, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

By signing this petition, we urge the Texas state legislature to take action to amend the law. The law has not been amended since 1999. There must be provisions and oversight for the District Attorneys to ensure the conviction and sentence fits the crime. The Texas Legislature owes this to Audrii, and McDougal’s other victims. 

Parents are the first line of defense to protect their children from harm. Parents have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their children, and this responsibility is separate from the role of holding district attorneys or judges accountable. However, in cases involving minors and potential risks to their safety, it is crucial for all parties involved, including the judiciary, to prioritize the well-being of children and ensure that fair and just decisions are made. Holding district attorneys and judges accountable for their actions is important in maintaining the integrity of the legal system and protecting the rights of individuals, including minors.

Together, we can work towards creating safer communities for our children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. 

I encourage all citizens who are eligible to vote to take a stand and demand Justice4Audrii at the ballot box. We are Audrii’s voice. 

JUSTICE FOR AUDRII