Urgent Search Underway for Missing Texas Girl Last Seen Seven Years Ago
Texas authorities are actively searching for Ava Marie Gonzales, a nine-year-old girl who has been missing since December 2017 when she was just two years old. The case has garnered significant attention following the arrest of her mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales, 33, in Austin last month on charges related to the severe abuse and neglect of another child.
The Austin Police Department (APD) is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to Ava’s whereabouts. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are deeply concerning, particularly in light of the allegations against her mother.
"We just don’t know where she is right now," said police spokesperson Russell Constable during a recent press conference on May 6. "What we’re trying to figure out is her current status, where she is, who she’s with, and if she’s safe and healthy."
The investigation into Ava’s disappearance began after police responded to an emergency call on April 3 concerning the well-being of a seven-year-old girl. Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered the young girl locked inside a closet, suffering from severe malnourishment. The child was immediately transported to a local hospital where she is currently recovering.
Authorities also located six other children at the home, all of whom appeared to be in good health. However, the absence of an eighth child raised concerns. This missing child was later identified as Ava Marie Gonzales, who had not been seen by family or friends in over seven years. Despite this extended period of absence, Ava’s disappearance was never officially reported to law enforcement until recently.
On April 24, Virginia Marie Gonzales was arrested and charged with causing serious injury to a child. She is currently being held at the Travis County Correctional Complex, with her bail set at $75,000. Efforts to reach Gonzales’ attorney for comment have been made by USA TODAY.
According to Constable, Gonzales has provided conflicting accounts to various family members regarding Ava’s location, further complicating the investigation and intensifying concerns about the child’s safety.
An arrest affidavit reveals the horrifying details of the alleged abuse inflicted upon the seven-year-old girl. Gonzales is accused of confining the child to a closet for extended periods, sometimes lasting weeks. The local news station KTBC reported that the girl was found in a severely malnourished state, covered in her own waste, and barricaded inside a bedroom closet.
Medical examinations revealed the extent of the child’s suffering. At just seven years old, she weighed a mere 29 pounds and exhibited dark-colored spots all over her body, indicative of severe malnourishment. The child also reported experiencing pain in her bones.
The grandmother of the children allegedly told police that the seven-year-old had difficulty controlling her bladder and continuously tried to eat things she shouldn’t have. As a result, her siblings were instructed to keep her locked in the closet. An older sibling corroborated this account, stating that the child was only given half a cup of water and a single hotdog or corndog each morning and evening.
Adding to the disturbing nature of the case, officers discovered a refrigerator fully stocked with a variety of food options within the home, highlighting the deliberate deprivation inflicted upon the young victim.
The closet in which the girl was confined measured approximately 4 feet 9 inches by 1 foot 10 inches. This small space was further cluttered with other items, leaving minimal room for the trapped child.
Ava Marie Gonzales is described as a nine-year-old Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes. Due to her young age when last seen, her current height and weight are unknown. To aid in the search, the Austin Police Department has released a computer-generated age-progressed photo of Ava, depicting what she might look like today.
The Austin Police Department is urging anyone with information about this case or Ava’s whereabouts to come forward immediately. Individuals can provide information by emailing [email protected] or by calling the anonymous tip line at (512) 572 – 8477. The authorities are committed to pursuing every lead in this case to ensure Ava’s safety and well-being. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. The primary focus is locating Ava and ensuring she receives the care and support she needs. The police are determined to uncover the truth behind her disappearance and bring those responsible for any harm to justice. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that could assist in the search for Ava Marie Gonzales.
