Austin police recently uncovered a disturbing scene in a Texas home, where a 7-year-old girl was reportedly found locked in a closet, malnourished and alone. As authorities dig deeper, questions loom about what led to this harrowing situation and who else may be affected.
7-Year-Old Reportedly Found Trapped In Closet, Sister Missing
Police were called to a Del Valle, Texas home on April 3 after a 7-year-old girl was reportedly discovered locked in a closet, starving. The child was immediately taken to a local hospital, where she is now recovering. Now, authorities are investigating the disturbing conditions of the home, raising serious concerns about what led to this horrifying discovery and what may have happened to her sibling.
According to officials, six other children in the house appeared physically healthy. But police discovered something even more alarming. As they investigated the girl’s treatment, detectives reportedly realized her 9-year-old sister, Ava Gonzales, has not been seen in years. Last seen in December 2017, at 2 years old, it was also revealed that she had never been reported missing.
Authorities say Ava Gonzales was last known to be in the custody of her mother, Virginia Gonzales. She has since been arrested and charged in connection with the condition of the 7-year-old. Police say Gonzales gave conflicting stories about Ava’s whereabouts, and Ava’s father has not been located either.
More Details On The Case
According to reports, the 7-year-old was found malnourished, soiled, and barricaded in a closet with heavy boxes blocking the door. One older sibling reportedly told police the girl was given only half a cup of water daily. They also added that she would eat a hot dog or a corndog once or twice daily. And no children in the home were reportedly enrolled in school.
On April 24, authorities arrested 33-year-old Virginia Gonzales, Ava’s mother, who has since been charged with causing serious injury to a child, according to the Travis County District Clerk. She is currently held at the Travis County Correctional Complex, with bail set at $75,000, according to jail records.
An arrest affidavit reveals that Virginia Marie Gonzales is accused of locking the 7-year-old girl in a closet for “weeks at a time.” The affidavit further states the girl’s grandmother told police that the child had trouble controlling her bladder and often ate things she shouldn’t. This allegedly led to her siblings being instructed to keep her locked in the closet.
Medical staff noted that the girl weighed just 29 pounds and had dark-colored spots on her body, indicating severe malnourishment. It was also reported that officers discovered a fridge stocked with a variety of food options. Furthermore, the little girl also told staff that her “bones hurt.”
The Search Continues For Ava Gonzales
Police have released age-progressed photos of Ava and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Russell Constable made a plea to the public, saying, “We don’t know where she is right now… if she’s safe, if she’s healthy.” He added that they are “seriously concerned” for Ava’s well-being, especially given the shocking abuse her sister endured.
