News Summary
The Austin Police Department is searching for Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl missing since December 2017. Concerns have heightened after her mother’s arrest for child abuse and the discovery of other children in questionable conditions. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in locating Ava.
Austin Police Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Ava Marie Gonzales
The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively searching for 9-year-old Ava Marie Gonzales, who has been missing since December 2017. Ava was just 2 years old when she was last seen in the custody of her mother, Virginia Gonzales, who was arrested on April 24, 2025, for serious injuries inflicted on a child.
This arrest followed a disturbing incident on April 3, 2025, in which Virginia’s 7-year-old child, Ava’s younger sibling, was discovered starving and confined in a closet. The child was malnourished, weighing just 29 pounds, and appeared to have suffered permanent brain damage as a result of prolonged starvation.
Along with the 7-year-old, six other children were found living in the home. These children, aged between 2 and 14, appeared to be in good health. However, the absence of Ava has raised critical concerns among law enforcement officials.
Missing Reports and Investigation
Ava Gonzales has not been officially reported missing, and investigators have encountered conflicting statements regarding her whereabouts from Virginia Gonzales to various family members. Additionally, records show that neither Ava nor her siblings have any school records in Central Texas, which raises further concerns about their welfare.
Authorities are particularly worried about Ava’s safety in light of the troubling conditions of her sibling. The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is collaborating with APD on the investigation. The seven children who were found have been placed into foster care, following their removal from Virginia Gonzales’ custody.
Ava’s Description and Search Efforts
Ava Gonzales is described as a Hispanic girl with straight brown hair and brown eyes. Due to the circumstances of her disappearance, her current height and weight remain unknown. In an effort to aid in her potential identification, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has developed an age-progressed photo of Ava to represent what she might look like today.
The Austin Police Department is urging the public to assist in the search for Ava. They are asking for anyone with information regarding her whereabouts or related circumstances to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the police department.
Background on Virginia Gonzales
Virginia Gonzales, aged 33, is currently facing serious legal charges stemming from the abuse of her other children. The discovery involving her 7-year-old child has raised significant alarm, prompting law enforcement to take immediate action. The investigation into the conditions of the home and the wellbeing of all children involved is ongoing.
The situation surrounding Ava Gonzales remains critical as authorities continue their searches and investigations. The community is called upon to remain vigilant, as the safety of Ava and her siblings hangs in the balance. The lack of educational records and extensive absences from public systems raises deep concerns regarding the health and safety of these children in their formative years.
The APD emphasizes the urgency of locating Ava and expresses dedicated support for her case, reflecting the importance of child welfare in the Austin community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin Police Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Ava Gonzales
Fatal Shooting in Southeast Austin Raises Community Concerns
Reporter Shot and Killed in Austin During Vehicle Burglary
Urgent Search Continues for Missing 9-Year-Old in Austin
Central Texas School Districts Adjust to Severe Weather Risk
Texas Schools Receive A-F Accountability Ratings for 2022-2023
Tragic Shooting in Austin Claims Teen’s Life
Concerns Raised Over Deportation of U.S. Citizen Toddler
Corporate Sponsorships Transform White House Easter Egg Roll
New School Choice Bill Passes in Austin
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Missing Child
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KXAN: Press Conference
- Google Search: Ava Marie Gonzales
- FOX 7 Austin: Mother Arrested
- Google Scholar: Child Welfare Austin
- CBS Austin: Search Continues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Child Protective Services
- KWTX: Police Concerned
- Google News: Ava Marie Gonzales
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.
