TEXAS — The body of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old girl who disappeared Thursday in Livingston, Texas, was found in the Trinity River, north of Houston, authorities said in a news conference Tuesday.

Don Steven McDougal, 42,  who was initially a person of interest in Audrii's disappearance, is now facing a capital murder charge, according to authorities. McDougal was arrested on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault on Feb. 16. 

McDougal is a friend of the Audrii's father and was allowed to live in a trailer behind their house.

What You Need To Know

  • Police on Tuesday announced the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was located in the Trinity River 

  • Don Steven McDougal, 42, was arrested on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault on Feb. 16. Police believe McDougal’s dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Suburban was involved in the girl's disappearance

  • McDougal is now facing a capital murder charge in connection to the child's slaying

  • McDougal is a friend of Audrii's father and had been permitted to live on their property 

Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton said officials were in the process of preparing an arrest warrant for Don Steven McDougal, 42, on a recommended charge of capital murder. She said they do not yet know if they would seek the death penalty in the case.

The sheriff said that the girl's body has been taken to the medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death.

According to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, McDougal was taking Audrii to the bus stop and is believed to be the last person who saw her. Investigators are piecing together a timeline of places where McDougal has been. Lyons said McDougal hasn’t said whether Audrii made it to the bus stop, but he has acknowledged that he left the house with her.

Lyons said McDougal is the main suspect, but they are not eliminating anyone. 

The Associated Press contributed to this story.