Virginia Gonzales, a 33-year-old mother from Del Valle, Texas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of felony injury to a child. This stems from her locking her 7-year-old daughter in a tiny closet (about 3×1.5 feet) for weeks, severely malnourishing her by providing only one corn dog and half a cup of water daily.​​
Abuse Details
The girl, weighing just 29 pounds when discovered by her grandmother in Austin, was soiled, emaciated with no facial fat, and had binding marks; she suffered permanent brain damage. Gonzales ordered her other six children (ages 2-14) to keep her confined as punishment for “getting into stuff” and bladder issues, while she soiled herself inside.​​
Plea and Defense
Facing trial next week, Gonzales rejected a 40-year plea in November but accepted 25 years, waiving appeal. In court, she admitted fault but blamed her sons for the closet confinement, claiming she only restricted her to a room and never physically harmed the kids.
Family Impact
Her remaining children are in protective custody. Police are investigating her eighth child, Ava Marie Gonzales (missing since 2017 at age 9), now as a possible homicide, with no prior missing person report filed.​​
DA Statement
Travis County DA’s office hopes the sentence aids the victim’s recovery, stressing no child should endure such abuse, and vows continued work with Austin PD on the missing child case.
