In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked Texas residents, V. Gonzales, a 33-year-old mother of eight children, is now facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she locked her 7-year-old daughter inside a closet for weeks, leaving her severely malnourished and permanently injured. Gonzales was charged with three counts of child injury and one count of unlawful restraint after police discovered her child locked in a tiny closet measuring 3 feet by 1 foot, 10 inches.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the child was subjected to extended malnutrition and severe negligence, with only half a cup of water and minimal food provided daily. During a court hearing, prosecutors described how Gonzales told her other children, ranging in age from 2 to 14, to assist in keeping their sister confined, reportedly as punishment for catching her “doing something bad,” “getting into stuff,” and eating food she wasn’t supposed to. Gonzales’ 10-year-old son informed police that his sister had to discharge herself inside the closet, and when discovered, the 7-year-old weighed only 29 pounds.
Detective R. Constable of the police department’s child abuse unit testified in court, detailing the girl’s fragile state. The scenario grew much more concerning when it was learned that Gonzales had another child who has been missing since 2017, when she was just nine years old. The children’s grandma discovered the 7-year-old girl imprisoned in the closet when visiting the family’s house in April, exposing the awful living circumstances. The authorities were notified, and the youngsters were immediately placed in protective custody.
In court, Gonzales stated, “I don’t dispute that I was wrong.” I realize what I did was terrible,” but she tried to shift some of the guilt to her other children, adding, “I told them not to let her out of the room, but not the closet.” She said she had “adequate food for everyone in the home” and was “never violent,” saying, “I never spanked them. “I’m willing to do anything to keep my children.”
However, Judge C. Eldridge described the case as “absolutely horrifying” and agreed with prosecutors who claimed Gonzales posed a flight risk. Prosecutors asked that Gonzales’ bond be increased from $75,000 to $250,000, citing concerns she may flee before her trial. Gonzales’ mother testified in court to support their claim. “She didn’t show up for a weed charge; you think she’s going to show up for this?” the defendant’s mother remarked, adding ominously, “I know my daughter; she’ll run from this.” Judge Eldridge agreed and raised the bond to $250,000. Gonzales, who had pleaded not guilty, was promptly arraigned and remains in detention. Her trial is slated for January 2026.
Authorities are still investigating the disappearance of the defendant’s missing child and have asked anyone with information to contact the police department. Meanwhile, the surviving children are still in the care of protective services while they heal from what officials describe as unspeakable trauma. For the time being, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the invisible child abuse that may occur in seemingly typical neighborhoods—as well as the critical necessity for attention and intervention when children’s lives are in danger.
