Community Holds Vigil for Audrii Cunningham: Mother Describes Daughter as ‘Perfection’ as Family Friend Charged with Capital Murder
The small community of Polk County, Texas came together on Wednesday to hold a solemn vigil for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. The young girl’s life was tragically cut short when her body was found in the Trinity River near Houston, after she had been reported missing just a week prior. As the community gathered to remember Audrii, her mother, Cassie Matthews, spoke lovingly about her daughter, describing her as “perfection.”
The vigil was a somber affair, with family and friends donning purple attire and holding purple balloons. Purple, Audrii’s favorite color, was chosen as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity. Prayers were offered, candles were lit, and tears were shed as the community came together to honor Audrii’s memory.
Cassie Matthews, overwhelmed with grief, expressed her deep love for her daughter at the vigil. “I’m at a loss for words most of the time, other than the fact that I am beyond blessed to be able to give birth to something that is – she was perfection,” Matthews said. “And you know, as a parent, we’re all pretty biased that we think our kids are perfect, but it just is what it is. But I’m truly blessed to have given birth to such an amazing little girl.”
Brenda Cedars, Audrii’s aunt, also shared her heartache over losing her niece. “This world is not gonna be the same without her,” Cedars said. “No matter where she went or who she met, she just made them light up. She could always make you laugh and no matter what kind of mood you were in. And it just isn’t fair that we all got robbed of that.”
The pain of Audrii’s loss extended beyond her immediate family. Kasey Evans, the mother of one of Audrii’s classmates, spoke about the difficulty of explaining Audrii’s death to her own children. “When your baby comes home and says, ‘Momma, did they find her?’ No, they didn’t and that will never happen again,” Evans said. “I had to sit down and explain to my 6-year-old and my 10-year-old that she’s no longer with us.”
Casey Baker, a friend of Cassie Matthews, attended the vigil in support of her grieving friend. Baker emphasized the need for justice in this tragedy. “That’s what we came here for, to shed her light so everybody can see it,” she said. “You know, there’s nothing we can say. There’s nothing else we can do that’s going to bring her home permanently. It’s tragic for the family.”
As the community mourns Audrii’s loss, plans are being made for her visitation and funeral. According to Pace Funeral Home, Audrii’s visitation will take place on Friday, March 1 in Livingston, Texas. A rosary service and funeral will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday.
Investigations into Audrii’s death have led to the arrest of Don McDougal, a family friend who has been charged with capital murder. McDougal was supposed to accompany Audrii to her school bus stop on the day she went missing. Cellphone data and video footage placed McDougal near the location where Audrii’s body was discovered, and a rope found in his vehicle during a recent traffic stop matched the one used to tie Audrii to a large rock in the river.
The tragedy of Audrii Cunningham’s death has left a deep scar on the community of Polk County. As they gather in mourning, they also find solace in remembering the vibrant and joyful spirit that Audrii brought to their lives. The vigil served as a testament to the love and support that surrounds Audrii’s family during this difficult time.
