Texas Mother Sentenced to 25 Years After Starving 7-Year-Old Daughter While Another Child Remains Missing Since 2017
TEXAS — A Texas woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to severely abusing and starving her 7-year-old daughter, a case that has drawn renewed attention due to the revelation that another one of her children has been missing for nearly eight years.
Authorities confirmed that Virginia Marie Gonzales, 33, was convicted after investigators uncovered disturbing evidence of prolonged child abuse inside her home.
Details of the Child Abuse Case
According to court records, Gonzales kept her 7-year-old daughter locked inside a small closet for weeks, limiting her food intake to one corn dog per day and minimal water.
When the child was discovered, she reportedly weighed approximately 29 pounds, far below a healthy weight for her age, and was suffering from severe malnutrition and medical complications.
The girl has since been placed under medical care and is receiving treatment.
Sentencing and Charges
Gonzales pleaded guilty to injury to a child, a felony offense under Texas law. The judge sentenced her to 25 years in state prison, citing the extended duration of abuse and the life-threatening condition of the child at the time she was rescued.
Prosecutors emphasized that the abuse was intentional, prolonged, and extreme, warranting a lengthy sentence.
Another Child Missing Since 2017
During the investigation, authorities revealed that Gonzales has another daughter, Ava Marie Gonzales, who has been missing since 2017. Law enforcement officials stated that the disappearance remains an open and active investigation, and efforts to locate the missing child are ongoing.
Ongoing Concerns and Community Impact
The case has raised serious concerns among child welfare advocates, particularly regarding missed warning signs and prolonged neglect. Officials continue to review past records connected to the family to determine whether earlier intervention opportunities were overlooked. Authorities have not released further details about the missing child investigation, citing its sensitive nature.
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