AUSTIN, TX – A Texas mother has been charged with felony child abuse after authorities discovered her 7-year-old daughter locked in a closet, severely malnourished, and deprived of basic needs, according to police.

Virginia Gonzales, 33, faces charges of causing serious bodily injury to a child. Her daughter was reportedly found weighing just 29 pounds and suffering from “serious and prolonged starvation,” as per court documents.

The child’s grandmother discovered her in the mother’s home, leading to the harrowing revelations. It is alleged that Gonzales forced the girl’s six siblings, aged between 2 and 14, to confine her in the cramped space as a form of punishment. This grim environment measured approximately 3 feet by 1 foot, 10 inches.

The siblings informed police that the girl was penalized for having bladder issues and “getting into stuff.” As part of the punishment, she was reportedly confined to the closet with limited sustenance—restricted to one corn dog a day and half a cup of water.

Law enforcement has taken all the children into protective custody while investigating further. This disturbing case has revealed another missing relative, Ava Gonzales, who vanished in 2017 at the age of 9. Authorities continue to search for her.

The discovery inside Gonzales’ residence also highlighted the dire impact on the surviving child, who now suffers from permanent brain damage due to her prolonged ordeal. Police revealed that the closet was barricaded, indicating the severity of her forced confinement.

Authorities have issued a plea to the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of Ava or details that might assist in the ongoing investigation, urging anyone with knowledge to contact the Austin Police Department.

The case underscores the extreme measures of neglect and abuse faced by the children and raises urgent questions regarding their previous living conditions under Gonzales’ care.