The Murder Case Against Don Steven McDougal
Cell phone data, video footage and other forensic evidence showed that McDougal—who was questioned after being arrested Feb. 16 for an unrelated offense—”lied about his whereabouts and activities” on the day Cunningham disappeared after they left her house in his 2003 Chevy Suburban, according to the charging document.
Phone data, video analysis and some information provided by McDougal himself ultimately led authorities to the area under the US 59 bridge where they found Cunningham, Lyons told reporters. He noted that videos sent to authorities from members of the community through social media had proved helpful.
Phone records and videos ultimately placed McDougal at “three locations of interest,” the charging document stated, and “evidence in connection with the defendant and the child victim” was recovered at two of those places.
Additionally, the document continued, the rope used to tie the rock to the girl resembled rope seen by law enforcement in McDougal’s vehicle during a traffic stop two days prior.
McDougal had knocked on doors and otherwise appeared to be concerned for Cunningham’s welfare, Lyons told reporters Feb. 20, but the sheriff believed the suspect was “trying to give the appearances that he has no play or he’s not at fault in her disappearance.”