A mother in Texas is facing serious felony charges after her 7-year-old daughter was found severely malnourished and locked inside a small, dark closet with no access to food or a bathroom. Police say the girl had been left there for several weeks, resulting in permanent brain damage due to extreme neglect.
What Happened?
Virginia Gonzales, 33, has been charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child after her daughter was discovered in horrific conditions at her home in Austin, Texas, according to court documents shared by ABC affiliate KVUE.
The girl was found by her grandmother, who immediately alerted authorities. At the time, the child:
- Weighed only 29 pounds
- Was covered in urine and feces
- Had been locked inside a closet measuring just 3 feet by 1 foot 10 inches
- Had no food, and no access to a bathroom
Siblings Forced to Help
The house had six other children living there, ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old. Police say Gonzales ordered her other children to keep the 7-year-old locked inside as punishment because she was “getting into stuff” and had bladder issues.
One of the siblings, a 10-year-old boy, told police that the girl was only given one corn dog a day and a half-cup of water. She was forced to urinate and defecate in the closet itself, with no cleaning or sanitation.
The closet was reportedly barricaded, making it impossible for the child to escape.
Girl Now in Protective Custody
The Austin Police Department has placed all six children in protective custody. The girl who was locked in the closet is receiving medical care, but doctors say she has suffered permanent brain damage due to long-term starvation and abuse.
Another Child Still Missing
While investigating this case, police have reopened the case of a missing girl named Ava, who was part of the same family. Ava has been missing since 2017, when she was 9 years old. Authorities are now actively searching for her and have asked the public to come forward with any information.
What Authorities Are Saying
The abuse was discovered on April 3, and police say the condition of the girl showed signs of prolonged neglect. The case has shaken both the community and investigators.
Authorities are now working to ensure the safety of the other children and are calling on anyone with information about Ava’s disappearance to contact the Austin Police Department.