Texas Mom Arrested After Daughter Found Starved; Other Daughter Missing Since 2017

Discovery of Malnourished Child

• 🚨 Police in Austin, Texas, arrested Virginia Gonzalez after discovering her 7-year-old daughter severely malnourished and weighing only 29 pounds, locked in a closet.
• 🧠 The child allegedly suffered brain damage due to prolonged starvation and was found in a dark, unventilated closet with minimal space.
• 🍽️ Documents suggest the 7-year-old was fed only a corn dog and half a cup of water daily, a stark contrast to her siblings who appeared healthy.

The Disappearance of Ava Marie Gonzalez

• 🔍 The discovery of the 7-year-old prompted police to investigate the whereabouts of another daughter, Ava Marie Gonzalez, who has been missing for approximately six years.
• 📅 Ava was last seen in December 2017 at the age of 2, and her mother, Virginia Gonzalez, was in custody at the time.
• ❓ Police have released an age-progression image of Ava, who would now be around 9 years old, and are seeking public assistance to find her.

Investigation and Challenges

• 🗣️ Virginia Gonzalez has provided conflicting statements to investigators and family members regarding Ava's whereabouts.
• 🏫 Police are investigating whether any of the eight children were ever enrolled in school, as none appeared to be.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Investigators face challenges due to the passage of time, lack of real-time information, and the need to sift through numerous tips.

Systemic Concerns and Potential Avenues

• ⚖️ The case raises questions about the involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS) and potential gaps in the system, though CPS case details are confidential.
• 🏥 Investigators are exploring medical records from births and subsequent check-ups as a potential source of information, leveraging legal carve-outs for criminal investigations.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The focus is on obtaining information from Virginia Gonzalez, other adults in her life, and particularly the older siblings, though debriefing them requires specialized psychological approaches.

Public Appeal and Next Steps

• 📧 Tips regarding Ava Marie Gonzalez's whereabouts can be submitted to avaaustinex.gov or through Crimestoppers.
• 🤝 Authorities emphasize that the goal is to ensure the safety of the children, not to get anyone in trouble, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
• ⚠️ The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement, Texas Rangers, and potentially the FBI involved in the search for Ava and understanding the full scope of the situation.