In Austin, Texas, police are investigating the disappearance of 9-year-old Ava Marie Gonzales, last seen when she was only 2 years old. Her case came to light following a 911 call on April 3, 2023, which led authorities to a home in Del Valle where her 7-year-old sister was found “locked in a closet and starving.” The sister, rescued from deplorable conditions, was taken to the hospital for recovery, while six other children found at the home appeared physically healthy.
Ava has been missing since December 2017 and was in the custody of her mother, Virginia Gonzales, who has been described as providing conflicting information to family about her daughter’s whereabouts. Investigators are particularly concerned for Ava’s safety, given the severe maltreatment of her sister. No report had been filed regarding Ava’s disappearance until this recent revelation.
Photos of Ava at age 2 have been released along with an age-progressed image to aid in the search. Gonzales was arrested on April 24 for serious injury to a child concerning the 7-year-old’s condition. Reports indicate that the sister was malnourished, found soiled, and barricaded in a closet that was heavily obstructed. Witness accounts suggest the other children were coerced into keeping her locked away due to her attempts to eat food that wasn’t hers, with very minimal provisions reportedly given to her.
Currently, Gonzales is held at the Travis County Correctional Complex with a bond set at $75,000, while the police continue their efforts to locate Ava and assess her welfare. The community is urged to assist in finding her.
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