Search for missing girl as sister found 'starving and locked in closet by mum'
A desperate search is underway for a missing nine-year-old girl after her mother was busted for allegedly locking her younger sister in a closet and starving her.
Ava Marie Gonzales was last seen by her family and friends in December 2017, when she was just two years old. She was never reported missing.
More than six years later, the Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help to find Ava after discovering her seven-year-old sister 'locked in a closet and starving' on April 3, said Detective Russell Constable of the child abuse unit.
Police on April 24 arrested their mother, Virginia Gonzales, and charged her with injury to a child and serious bodily injury related to the seven-year-old. A 911 caller said the girl was 'malnourished, soiled and barricaded in a bedroom closet', according to her mum's arrest affidavit.
Inside the apartment in Del Valle, Texas, police found six more children who all appeared 'to be fine', Constable said during a press conference on Tuesday.
But in the course of the investigation, police discovered that there was an eighth child who was not found in the home – and whom they identified as Ava. Ava was in her mum's custody before she vanished.
Missing persons detectives are 'seriously concerned about Ava's welfare given the circumstances in which Ava's seven-year-old sibling was found', Constable said.
Ava has been described as Hispanic with straight brown hair and brown eyes. Her height and weight are unknown. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has developed an age progressed photo of Ava to aid in the search for her.
'This has been an emotionally difficult case for multiple agencies that were involved' including the police department, interviewers, medical responders, counselors and community members, Constable said.
He added that detectives have not found any record of any of the children being enrolled in school, meaning they could have been kept at home.
Authorities have not identified Ava's father, and did not immediately disclose her mother's criminal history. She was pictured with a heart-shaped tattoo on her neck in her mugshot. Gonzales is being held at the Travis County Correctional Complex on a $75,000 bond, jail records show. More Trending
Anyone with information on Ava's disappearance and whereabouts is urged to contact the police department or Crime Stoppers.
Del Valle is about nine miles southeast of Austin.
'She could be anywhere at this point,' Constable said.
The hunt for Ava comes days after a married mum-of-two who went missing from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, 60 years ago was found alive and well.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Girl, 13, raped by teenage boy 'last seen at McDonald's'
MORE: Nine arrested after group celebrated Hitler's birthday with cake at a pub
MORE: Men accused of felling Sycamore Gap took part in 'thuggish' attack for a 'laugh'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Urgent search for missing teen last seen in Glasgow Central
A search has been launched for 13-year-old Ava Stewart, who has been reported missing since Friday, June 6. Ava was last seen at approximately 1:35pm boarding a train at Glasgow Central Station. Authorities believe she may have travelled to Birmingham. READ MORE: Do you know them? Cops release images of four men following 'disorder' at Hampden She is described as around 4ft 11in tall, of slim build, with long brown hair. At the time of her disappearance, Ava was wearing white tracksuit bottoms, a grey crop top, a blue denim jacket, and blue and cream Nike Air Jordan trainers. Distinctive features include a lip and nose piercing and a coloboma in her left eye. Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen Ava or has information regarding her whereabouts to come forward immediately. READ MORE: 'Abhorrent': Nurse sacked after scalding patient with hot water and not reporting it Sergeant Lana Grant said: "Concerns are growing for Ava and it is important we make sure she is safe and well. "We are asking anyone who has seen her or has any information on her whereabouts to please get in touch." Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Murder' probe launched as mum found dead and police hunt for gold suitcase
The body of Samantha Murphy, 32, was found dead inside a property in Portsmouth this week - two 32-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of murder A murder investigation has been launched in Portsmouth after a mum-of-three was found dead, prompting a hunt for a gold suitcase which police are eager to find. Hampshire Police were called to the property at 7:37am on June 5. When they arrived to Wadham Road, officers found the body of Samantha Murphy, 32. Her family have been notified and officers are supporting them following the devastating revelation. Police launched an investigation after initial enquiries determined Samantha's death should be treated as suspicious. Officers later arrested a 32-year-old man from Petersfield and another 32-year-old man from Havant on suspicion of murder. They both remain in custody at this time, police added. District Commander, chief inspector Fifi Gulam-Husen said: "We understand that this is a concerning incident for the local community and specialist officers are working as a priority to establish the full circumstances. "The Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out regular patrols in the area and anyone with questions or concerns can speak to these uniformed officers." As part of enquiries, officers identified a gold suitcase, which they believe to be in the Portsmouth area. Officers are keen to find the suitcase as they believe it could assist with the ongoing investigation. Yhey ask anyone with any information to call 101 quoting reference number 4425024282. Alternatively, go online and submit information via You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tributes were shared online following the discovery of Samantha's body. One woman, who claimed to be her sister, said: "My beautiful sister. Life will never be the same. Love you forever." Another added: "RIP Sammie-Jo honey, I'll miss you." A GoFundMe page has been set up following Samantha's death, with money going towards supporting her children. The page said: "Her loss has left an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the lives of her three beautiful children, who are now facing a future without their devoted mother. "Sammie-Jo was a beacon of light in our family and community. She was known for her kindness, unwavering strength, infectious laugh and dedication to her family. She poured her love into her children, always ensuring they felt loved and supported, fighting tirelessly for their well-being. "As we grapple with this sudden and heart-breaking loss, we are also faced with the unexpected financial strain of funeral expenses and the immediate needs of her children. We want to ensure that Sammie-Jo receives a dignified farewell and that her children are provided with stability and support during this incredibly difficult time and as they navigate life without her." Since being organised, the fundraiser has received £540.
BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Crimestoppers campaign to crack down on Northampton graffiti
A town has adopted a "zero-tolerance approach" to graffiti in an effort to deal with its "escalating issue", Crimestoppers has said. The charity said a four-week campaign had started in Northampton to tackle the problem. It was working with Fearless, its youth service, and West Northamptonshire Council, which has increased the maximum fine for graffiti and other environmental crimes to £500. "Graffiti is not only an act of vandalism - it undermines community pride, damages both public and private property, and can foster a sense of unease among residents and visitors," the charity added. The campaign encourages residents to report graffiti anonymously through the charity, and it is being advertised across social media and transport to raise awareness. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
