In a shocking revelation, Austin police have recently uncovered a disturbing scene within a Texas residence, where authorities discovered a 7-year-old girl, malnourished and isolated, locked away in a closet. As the investigation unfolds, serious questions arise about the circumstances that led to this harrowing situation and the potential implications for others involved.

Tragic Discovery: 7-Year-Old Girl Found Locked in Closet, Missing Sister Raises Concerns

On April 3, authorities were alerted to a residence in Del Valle, Texas, where police discovered a 7-year-old girl who was locked in a closet, starving and frightened. Upon arrival, the child was promptly taken to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving medical care and support for her recovery. As investigators delve deeper into the case, they are examining the alarming conditions within the home, raising serious concerns about what led to this horrific discovery and the fate of her missing sibling.

Officials have reported that, although six other children found in the house appeared physically healthy, something much more troubling came to light during the investigation. Detectives discovered that the girl’s 9-year-old sister, Ava Gonzales, has not been seen for several years. Last spotted in December 2017 at the tender age of 2, it is shocking to learn that she had never been reported missing, raising serious alarm bells about her safety and well-being.

Authorities have indicated that Ava Gonzales was last known to be in the care of her mother, Virginia Gonzales, who has since been arrested and charged with crimes related to the neglect of the 7-year-old. Police reported that Gonzales provided conflicting accounts regarding Ava’s whereabouts, and troublingly, her father has not yet been located, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.

Disturbing Details Emerge: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Child’s Care

Reports indicate that the 7-year-old girl was found in a severely neglected state, malnourished, soiled, and barricaded in a closet with heavy boxes obstructing her escape. An older sibling allegedly informed police that the child was given only half a cup of water each day, a shocking deprivation for a child. Furthermore, they disclosed that her meals were limited to a hot dog or a corndog once or twice a day, indicating extreme neglect. Alarmingly, none of the children in the household were reportedly enrolled in school, raising further concerns about their welfare and educational development.

On April 24, authorities took decisive action, arresting 33-year-old Virginia Gonzales, the mother of Ava, who has been charged with causing serious injury to a child, according to the Travis County District Clerk. Currently, she remains in custody at the Travis County Correctional Complex with bail set at $75,000, as per jail records.

An arrest affidavit has revealed deeply troubling allegations against Virginia Marie Gonzales, accusing her of locking the 7-year-old girl in a closet for extended periods, reportedly “weeks at a time.” The affidavit highlights that the girl’s grandmother informed authorities that the child had difficulty controlling her bladder and often consumed items that were not suitable for her. This behavior allegedly resulted in her siblings being instructed to keep her confined within the closet.

Medical professionals have reported that the girl weighed a mere 29 pounds at the time of her rescue, with dark-colored spots on her body indicating severe malnourishment. Furthermore, police discovered a refrigerator stocked with a variety of food options, raising questions about why the child was denied proper nutrition. Additionally, the young girl expressed to medical staff that her “bones hurt,” indicating the severe physical toll that her treatment had taken on her.

Urgent Call to Action: Help Find Ava Gonzales

In light of these developments, police have released age-progressed images of Ava and are urgently requesting the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding Ava’s whereabouts is encouraged to come forward, as the community’s help is vital in finding her.

Detective Russell Constable has made a heartfelt appeal to the public, stating, “We don’t know where she is right now… if she’s safe, if she’s healthy.” He emphasized that they are “seriously concerned” for Ava’s well-being, especially considering the shocking abuse her sister has endured.

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