FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2011
Contact:Public Information Office, 974-5017
Statement regarding Julie Ann Gonzalez from the Austin Police Department
On March 27, 2010 Julie Ann Gonzalez was reported missing. Initially it appeared that Julies disappearance was voluntary based on text messages sent to Julies family and friends from her cell phone. However, the length of time since Julies last communication with family and other information uncovered causes concern about Julies welfare. While
voluntary withdrawal cannot be conclusively eliminated as a possibility, it becomes more unlikely as each day passes without contact from Julie.
A team of investigators from the Austin Police Department Violent Crimes Command have been investigating this case. During the investigation, APD gathered information that led us to believe that her disappearance may not have been voluntary. On May 14, 2010, APD executed a search warrant at the residence of George De La Cruz, Julies estranged
husband. In that search warrant, detectives asked for numerous items of evidence that they believed would be found at the residence. While some items were seized that may be of evidentiary value, not all items sought were found.
At this time, George De La Cruz is considered a person of interest and it is believed that he has information that could be of great assistance to the investigation. De La Cruz has been interviewed in the past but is currently not cooperating with the investigation.
In the best interest of this investigation, APD is unable to share additional information at this time.
APD has been and continues to work diligently on this investigation. The investigation will not end until Julies family has the answers it seeks about what has happened to her. APD appreciates the assistance we have received from national, local media and tips from citizens. APD is grateful to the assistance of Julies family and their tireless efforts to keep her information in the public forum. The department urges anyone with information about Julies current whereabouts or the circumstances under which she disappeared to call the Austin Police Departments Homicide Tipline at 512-477-3588.