The Austin Police Department is actively seeking help from the public in locating Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl missing for seven years. Last seen in 2017, she was in the care of her mother, Virginia Gonzales. The urgent call for assistance comes after the recent serious child injury arrest of Virginia Gonzales on April 24. Authorities express serious concerns for the child's welfare are reinforced by the condition of Ava's younger sibling, discovered injured earlier on April 3.
A release issued yesterday by the APD included descriptions and age-progressed images of Ava. Despite her age at the time of disappearance being two, the age-progressed photo aims to reflect her current appearance. Ava is a Hispanic female with straight brown hair and brown eyes. However, her current height and weight are unknown, as last seen by family over the span of several years.
The Austin Police Department has described the circumstances surrounding Ava's disappearance as concerning, particularly in light of her mother's custody status. Virginia Gonzales was apprehended under charges for Serious Injury to a Child and is suspected of being related to Ava's younger sibling's condition. The police released images of both Ava as a 2-year-old and an age-progressed image to represent what she may look like today, in the hopes that it will aid in their search.
Anyone with information pertaining to Ava's whereabouts is encouraged to contact authorities. People can email [email protected] with any details or alternatively, provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 512-572-8477. The plea for the public’s assistance demonstrates a significant escalation in efforts to ensure Ava's safe return, with the Austin community yearning for resolution and peace for the young girl.
