American Audrii (11) died after blow to the head, former babysitter accused of “homicidal violence” | Abroad

Audrii’s father dropped her off at the bus stop last Thursday around 7 a.m., where the 11-year-old girl would take the bus to school. But according to the investigation, Audrii never arrived at school or even boarded the bus. When there was still no trace of the child by evening, her parents raised the alarm.

Last Saturday, Lt. Craig Cummings announced that Audrii’s backpack had been recovered near a dam on Lake Livingston. Cummings also dropped McDougal’s name for the first time. The latter was arrested last Friday for allegedly assaulting someone. The 42-year-old man used to be regularly asked to babysit Audrii, but was convicted of child luring in the past.

Cassie Matthews, Audrii’s mother, made an emotional appeal shortly after her daughter’s disappearance. “We want nothing more than for her to return safely. Running away is not her thing at all. We all love her to death. We’re in the dark, so we’re clinging to every ray of hope,” said Matthews. “I’m on a rollercoaster of emotions right now. I feel angry, but above all empty. If she doesn’t return, I will never be the same,” she continued.

On Tuesday, investigators finally found Audrii’s body in the Trinity River. The lifeless girl was tied to “a large rock” with a rope, according to authorities. Part of that rope was previously found in McDougal’s blue Chevrolet. Audrii is said to have died after receiving a severe blow to the head. The investigators speak of “homicidal violence”.

McDougal was the last person seen with Audrii and is charged with the girl’s murder. He himself already admitted that he left his home with Audrii on the day she disappeared, but McDougal will not provide any more details for the time being. According to news channel ‘CNN’, the man lives in a trailer near Audrii’s family.