Ava Marie Gonzales, a 9-year-old girl missing since December 2017, was last seen in her mother's custody, prompting renewed concern for her welfare after her 7-year-old sister was found locked in a closet and malnourished.

The alarming case of Ava's 7-year-old sister, who was discovered severely malnourished and confined for weeks, has intensified fears for Ava's safety, especially since she has not been previously reported missing. Ava's mother, Virginia Marie Gonzales, was arrested following the sister's discovery, raising critical questions about the circumstances of Ava's prolonged absence and the overall welfare of the children still in her care.

Authorities report that Ava was last seen at the age of 2 while in the custody of Virginia Marie Gonzales. This unimaginable situation has led investigators to speculate about Ava's wellbeing since her sister was found. With the shocking revelation of her sister's suffering, there is growing urgency to locate Ava and ensure her safety.

The situation surrounding the 7-year-old sister escalated when police were alerted to her condition. She was discovered weighing a mere 29 pounds, and the conditions in which she was found are troubling. Notably, she had been confined in a closet measuring approximately 4 feet 9 inches by 1 foot 10 inches, which limited her space severely.

Reports indicate that the young girl had received minimal food and water during her confinement, reportedly surviving on just a corn dog and half a cup of water daily. This neglect has raised alarms not only for the physical health of the sister but also for any potential hardships faced by Ava.

Virginia Marie Gonzales, the mother of both girls, was arrested on April 24, facing charges related to serious injury to a child. As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are delving deeper into the family dynamics and everyday conditions experienced by the children in Gonzales's care.

In addition to the malnourished sister, police identified six other children who were found in the home at the time of the sister's discovery. Initial assessments indicate that these children appeared to be physically healthy, which raises further questions about the home environment and the treatment each child received.

The discovery of the 7-year-old prompted officials to reassess the circumstances of Ava's case, which had previously gone unreported. Authorities expressed deep concern for Ava's welfare, heightening their efforts to locate her as they work to determine the complete narrative of the family's life leading to the sisters' current situations.

In an effort to engage the public's assistance, law enforcement officials released photos of Ava at the age of two alongside an age-progressed image portraying what she might look like today at 9 years old. The hope is that these images will remind the community to remain vigilant and attentive to any potential sightings or leads.

Investigators have emphasized the importance of community involvement as they search for Ava Gonzales. 'Every piece of information can be crucial in finding Ava,' a spokesperson for the police remarked, urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has captured the attention of the community, who are rallying together in hopes of bringing Ava home safely.

As the case progresses, the potential implications for child welfare policies and the protection of minors are also coming under scrutiny. Advocacy groups have begun discussions on the necessity for better systems to identify at-risk children before devastating situations arise. Understanding how Ava's case was overlooked for so long is becoming a priority in discussions concerning child protection.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring the safety of all the children involved. Advocates for child welfare continue to highlight the significance of vigilance within communities to prevent similar instances of neglect in the future, calling for a broader conversation about the oversight of vulnerable families.

The search for Ava continues as law enforcement intensifies efforts to ensure her safe return. The community remains hopeful that with the collaboration of citizens and authorities, they will soon uncover the whereabouts of Ava Gonzales and unravel the full extent of her disappearance.