A mother in Texas, Virginia Gonzales, is facing serious felony charges after allegedly locking her 7-year-old daughter in a dark closet for weeks, denying her food, water, and access to a bathroom.
Gonzales, 33, attempted to defend her actions at a court hearing, but the gravity of the situation has led to a heightened bond and further investigations.
The Alleged Mistreatment of the Child
Gonzales stands accused of causing serious bodily harm to her daughter, who was found severely malnourished and soiled after being kept in the closet.
Police say the girl, who weighed only 29 pounds, was confined to a space measuring about 3 feet by 1 foot, 10 inches. She reportedly spent several weeks in this small, dark area without access to basic necessities.
The victim’s siblings, ranging from ages 2 to 14, allegedly told their grandmother that their mother had ordered them to keep their sister locked away due to her “getting into stuff” and eating things she was “not supposed to.”
The victim’s brother, aged 10, claimed the girl was only allowed to eat one corn dog a day and was given a small half-cup of water.
Gonzales Defends Her Actions
During her court appearance on Tuesday, Gonzales admitted that her actions were wrong, but attempted to justify her behavior by claiming she had “adequate food for everyone in the home.”
She also stated that she was “never violent” and blamed her other children for the alleged mistreatment, claiming they were responsible for keeping the girl in the closet.
“I know what I’ve done was wrong,” Gonzales said in court, while also suggesting that her other children were partly to blame for the situation.
She explained that she had instructed her children not to let their sister out of the bedroom, not specifically the closet. According to Gonzales, this was done to prevent the girl from being caught in the restroom “doing something bad.”
Investigation Into Missing Child and Health Condition of Victim
The investigation into Gonzales’ actions has led to disturbing revelations. Police have discovered that the girl’s confinement resulted in permanent brain damage and prolonged starvation.
Detective Ryan Constable described the child’s physical condition, noting that “the fat in her cheeks was nonexistent” and her body had used stored fat to survive.
Authorities are also continuing to search for Gonzales’ other child, Ava Marie Gonzales, who has been missing since 2017 when she was 9 years old. The connection between Ava’s disappearance and the current case is still under investigation.
Court Hearing and Bond Increase
During the court hearing, prosecutors argued that Gonzales should have her bond increased due to her flight risk. Her mother, Valerie Gonzales, testified, saying that her daughter had a history of not showing up for court dates and would likely try to flee the charges.
“She didn’t show up for a weed charge, you think she’s going to show up for this?” Valerie said, adding that her daughter would likely “run from this.”
Judge Chantal Eldridge agreed with the prosecution’s argument and raised Gonzales’ bond from $75,000 to $250,000. Gonzales was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled for January 2026.
Next Steps and Protective Custody
All of Gonzales’ children have been placed into protective custody while the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ava Marie Gonzales to contact the Austin Police Department.
This case has shocked many due to the extreme mistreatment of a child by her own mother. The discovery of the 7-year-old girl’s abuse, alongside the ongoing search for Gonzales’ missing child, has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of her other children.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to bring justice to those affected by these tragic events.
