Police Searching for 9-Year-Old Girl Missing Since 2017 After Sibling Rescued from Closet
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In a disturbing discovery, police in Texas are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a missing 9-year-old girl, Ava Marie Gonzales, who has not been seen since December 2017. The search intensified after authorities found Ava’s 7-year-old sibling locked in a closet and in a starvation state last month, according to the Austin Police Department.
The situation took a dark turn when Virginia Gonzales, the children’s mother, was arrested and charged with serious injury to a child following the rescue of the 7-year-old child. The 7-year-old was found at an address on April 3, leading to Virginia’s arrest on April 24. Ava’s disappearance dates back to when she was 2 years old in December 2017, making her absence a cause for grave concern.
Ava is described as a Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes, with authorities releasing an age-progressed photo to give an idea of her potential current appearance. The Austin Police Department held a press conference on Tuesday, with Detective Russell Constable emphasizing the urgency of finding Ava. He highlighted the distressing circumstances surrounding the discovery of Ava’s 7-year-old sibling and the lack of information on Ava’s whereabouts.
Following the revelation of the 7-year-old child’s plight, authorities are deeply troubled about Ava’s safety and well-being. Constable shared that the suspect, Virginia Gonzales, provided conflicting information to various family members regarding Ava’s location, deepening the mystery surrounding the case. Concerningly, there is no identification yet for Ava’s father, adding to the complexities of the situation.
Upon closer investigation, it was disclosed that the 7-year-old girl had been confined in a bedroom closet by her grandmother, who found her malnourished and in distress. The grandmother’s shocking discovery came after she arrived at the apartment following Virginia Gonzales’ arrest on unrelated charges. The 7-year-old had allegedly endured appalling conditions, being given minimal food and water, as evidenced by her alarming weight of only 29 pounds when taken to the hospital.
Apart from Ava and her rescued sibling, six other children aged between 2 and 14 were found in the residence, exhibiting signs of physical health. Gonzales is currently in custody with a bond set at $75,000, awaiting further legal proceedings. The Austin Police Department is actively investigating the case, although they are yet to provide additional details in response to media inquiries.
The harrowing nature of this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children’s welfare. The community’s assistance is crucial in unravelling the mystery of Ava Marie Gonzales’ disappearance and ensuring justice for her and her siblings. As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring clarity to this distressing situation.
Instances of child abuse and neglect underscore the need for continuous vigilance and immediate reporting of any suspicious activities that may endanger children. The authorities encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the appropriate channels to safeguard vulnerable individuals. The search for Ava Marie Gonzales continues, with hopes of a safe and swift resolution to this troubling case.