Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP142992)
Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl from Austin, Texas, has been missing since December 25, 2017, when she was last seen at the age of 2 in the custody of her mother, Virginia Gonzales. Remarkably, Ava was never reported missing, and her disappearance remained unnoticed for over seven years. The case came to light in April 2025, following the discovery of her 7-year-old sister in a dire situation.
On April 3, 2025, Austin police responded to a welfare check at an apartment on Ross Road in Del Valle, Texas. They found Ava's 7-year-old sister malnourished, soiled, and barricaded in a small bedroom closet. The child had been confined there for approximately a month, receiving only minimal food and water. Medical evaluations revealed she weighed just 29 pounds and had suffered permanent brain damage due to prolonged starvation.
Virginia Gonzales, 33, was arrested on April 24, 2025, and charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child. During the investigation, authorities discovered six other children in the home, ranging in age from 2 to 14, who appeared physically healthy. However, they also learned of an eighth child, Ava Marie Gonzales, who was unaccounted for. Family members reported that Ava had not been seen since 2017, and Virginia had provided conflicting information about her whereabouts.
Further investigation revealed that none of Virginia Gonzales' children were enrolled in school, and there were no records of Ava attending any educational institution. Authorities have released both childhood and age-progressed photos of Ava, describing her as a Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes. Due to the length of time she's been missing, her current height and weight are unknown.
The Austin Police Department is actively seeking information regarding Ava's whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities via email at or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 512-572-8477. The case remains open, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ava's disappearance. Last Seen: Dec 25, 2017
