News Summary
Authorities in Austin are actively searching for Virginia Marie Gonzales’ missing daughter, Ava Marie Gonzales, who disappeared in December 2017. Recent developments include the arrest of Virginia Gonzales on serious child injury charges after her 7-year-old daughter was found severely malnourished. This case raises urgent concerns about child welfare, particularly since conflicting statements have been made regarding Ava’s status. The community is urged to assist in locating Ava and ensuring the safety of all children involved.
Austin, Texas – The search is underway for Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl who has been missing since December 2017. Ava was last seen at the age of 2 and was reportedly in the custody of her mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales. In a disturbing development, Virginia Gonzales, 33, has been arrested on charges of injury to a child with serious bodily injury related to her 7-year-old sibling.
On April 3, 2025, authorities responded to a 911 call regarding a 7-year-old girl found locked in a closet in Del Valle, Texas, severely malnourished. The child weighed only 29 pounds and was discovered barricaded in a 3-foot by 2-foot closet. Reports indicate that for approximately a month, she had been limited to a meager diet of one corn dog and half a cup of water each day. Medical assessment revealed that the child suffered from moderate to severe cerebral atrophy caused by prolonged malnutrition, an irreversible condition that may impact her quality of life significantly.
In addition to the 7-year-old, six other children, aged between 2 and 14, were found within the home, appearing physically healthy despite the alarming circumstances surrounding their sibling. Investigators noted that the apartment contained ample food items, raising further questions about the care provided to the children.
Detective Russell Constable has reported that Virginia Gonzales has offered conflicting accounts about Ava’s whereabouts to family members. This inconsistency has heightened concern for the missing girl’s safety. Authorities have also been unable to locate Ava’s father, making it imperative that the community assist in gathering any information related to Ava’s status.
Ava is described as a Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes; however, her current height and weight remain unknown. The police have released both photos of Ava at 2 years old and an age-progressed image illustrating what she may look like at 9 years old, as part of their efforts to locate her.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her sibling, authorities are particularly anxious about Ava’s wellbeing and are actively asking the public for assistance. Anyone with relevant information regarding Ava Marie Gonzales is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at ava@austintexas.gov or to reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 512-572-8477.
The case brings to light serious concerns regarding child safety and welfare, especially given the nature of the allegations against Virginia Gonzales. The police and child protective services are working diligently to conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring the well-being of all children involved.
The Austin community is being asked to remain vigilant and report any leads that may help reunite Ava with her family or provide answers regarding her current status. The situation highlights the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of potential child neglect and abuse.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN News
- Wikipedia: Ava Marie Gonzales
- NBC News
- Google Search: Ava Marie Gonzales
- KVUE News
- Google Scholar: Ava Marie Gonzales
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ava Marie Gonzales
- Fox San Antonio
- Google News: Ava Marie Gonzales
