News Summary
The Austin Police Department is searching for 9-year-old Ava Marie Gonzales, who was last seen as a toddler. Her mother’s recent arrest related to a disturbing child abuse case has raised serious concerns about Ava’s welfare. Virginia Gonzales faces charges for child injury after authorities discovered one of Ava’s siblings in a severely malnourished state, prompting fears for Ava’s safety. Police are appealing for information regarding her whereabouts as they continue their investigation into the troubling family situation.
Austin Police Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Ava Marie Gonzales Amid Disturbing Child Abuse Case
The Austin Police Department is actively searching for 9-year-old Ava Marie Gonzales, who was last seen in December 2017 when she was only 2 years old. Ava’s disappearance has raised serious concerns due to her mother’s recent legal troubles related to child abuse involving one of Ava’s siblings.
Ava’s mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales, 33, was arrested on April 24, 2025, by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Virginia faces charges of injury to a child with serious bodily injury that relates to Ava’s 7-year-old sibling, who was found in a severely malnourished state. Authorities responded to an emergency call on April 3, 2025, which revealed shocking conditions in the household.
During the incident, police discovered the 7-year-old girl locked in a closet and weighing only 29 pounds. Reports indicate that she had been confined in a 3-foot by 2-foot closet for approximately a month. Medical evaluations have since shown that the child is suffering from moderate to severe cerebral atrophy, a condition linked to prolonged hunger and deprivation.
In addition to the malnourished child, six other children, ranging from 2 to 14 years old, were found in the apartment and reported to be in good physical shape. Surprisingly, despite the conditions one child endured, the apartment was stocked with food in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer.
Concerns for Ava’s Welfare
The circumstances surrounding her sibling’s treatment have led investigators to express grave concerns for Ava’s well-being. Virginia Gonzales has reportedly given conflicting accounts regarding Ava’s whereabouts, raising alarm among friends and family. In light of these developments, police are appealing for any information regarding Ava.
Authorities have struggled to locate Ava’s father and have confirmed that there are no school records for any of Virginia Gonzales’ children. This lack of documentation further complicates the search, leaving Ava’s status shrouded in uncertainty.
Details About Ava Gonzales
Ava is described as a Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes, though her current height and weight remain unknown. To assist in the ongoing search, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has released an age-progressed photo of Ava to help recognize her as she may have changed significantly since she was last seen.
Ongoing Investigations
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is also involved in the investigation as authorities strive to piece together the family’s history and ensure the safety of all children involved. The search for Ava is considered a priority by local law enforcement, who are fully engaged in locating her due to the severe implications stemming from her siblings’ situation.
Call for Public Assistance
Anyone who may have information about Ava Marie Gonzales is urged to contact the appropriate authorities. Tips can be sent via email to ava@austintexas.gov or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 512-572-8477. The support of the community is invaluable in these cases as every detail might play a critical role in ensuring Ava’s safe return.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Google Search: Austin Police Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Ava Marie Gonzales
- FOX 7 Austin News
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- CBS Austin News
- Google Scholar: child abuse investigations
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: missing persons investigations
- ABC News
- Google News: Texas missing girl
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
