A mother from Texas, Virginia Gonzales, is facing serious charges after allegedly locking her 7-year-old daughter in a dark closet with little food or access to a bathroom.
The girl, who was severely malnourished and weighing just 29 pounds, was discovered in poor condition by her grandmother. This horrifying case has shocked the public, leading to Gonzales being charged with felony offenses.
The Mother’s Story in Court
Virginia Gonzales, 33, appeared in court this week as her bond was increased from $75,000 to $250,000. At the hearing, she admitted that her actions were wrong but placed some of the blame on her other children.
Gonzales claimed that she had instructed her sons to keep the girl locked in the closet, citing issues with her daughter “getting into stuff” and bladder problems. She also stated that she had enough food for everyone in the house and denied being violent.
Despite her defense, Gonzales’s behavior raised serious concerns. Authorities allege that she had ordered her six children, ranging from ages 2 to 14, to keep the girl locked inside a tiny, dark closet, measuring just 3 feet by 1 foot, 10 inches.
The children told investigators that their mother punished the girl for her behavior and that the girl was only given a corn dog a day and a half-cup of water to drink.
The Disturbing Condition of the Child
The condition of the girl was shocking. When found, she had been trapped in the closet for several weeks. Her body had used up its fat stores, leaving her with a hollowed face and severe malnutrition.
Police Detective Ryan Constable testified in court that the girl’s cheeks were “nonexistent,” as her body had consumed its fat to survive. Tragically, the girl had been forced to defecate and urinate inside the closet.
According to the victim’s 10-year-old brother, their mother was punishing the girl for eating things she wasn’t supposed to, which led to her confinement. Police confirmed that the girl had suffered permanent brain damage due to the prolonged starvation and lack of care.
Ongoing Investigation and Missing Child
In addition to the charges for the abuse of her 7-year-old daughter, Gonzales is also under investigation for the disappearance of her 9-year-old daughter, Ava Marie Gonzales, who has been missing since 2017. The authorities are continuing their search for Ava, and police have placed the remaining children in protective custody.
The girl’s condition, as described in court, and the situation surrounding the family’s history have raised significant concerns. The court proceedings are ongoing, with Gonzales facing charges of injury to a child and unlawful restraint. Prosecutors have raised concerns about her potential flight risk, citing her history of skipping court appearances.
Court’s Decision and Future
After hearing the arguments, Judge Chantal Eldridge agreed with the prosecution’s concerns and raised Gonzales’s bond to $250,000. Gonzales pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her trial has been scheduled for January 2026. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and search for the missing child, Ava.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of protecting children and ensuring their safety. Gonzales’s actions have caused permanent harm to her daughter, leaving the community in shock and sadness.
The case of Virginia Gonzales is a deeply disturbing one, highlighting the severity of child abuse and the devastating impact it can have on a child’s life. The suffering endured by the young girl and the ongoing investigation into her missing sibling show just how crucial it is for authorities to intervene in such situations.
As this case progresses, more details are likely to emerge, and the justice system will determine the fate of those involved.
