Missing Since: 11/29/2019

Missing From: Ansonia, Connecticut

Classification: Endangered Missing

Sex: Female

Race: White

Date of Birth: 09/07/2018

Age: 1 year old

Height and Weight: 2’0, 17 pounds,

Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian female. Brown hair, brown eyes.

Details of Disappearance

On November 29, 2019, Vanessa Morales was last seen in Ansonia, Connecticut. On Myrtle Street, she lived  with her mother, Christine Holloway. Christine failed to show up for work on December 2 and was impossible to reach. Christine had been beaten to death when the police were called to her Myrtle Avenue home to check on her welfare. They discovered her body in the bathtub. Vanessa was nowhere to be found and she has never been heard from again.

At the time of her death, Vanessa’s father, Jose Morales, was dating Christine. This case summary includes photos of Jose and Christine. On December 3, the day after Christine’s body was discovered, he was arrested on an unrelated firearms charge. He was named as a suspect in Christine’s murder within two weeks, and he was charged with murder and evidence tampering in her case in February. However, he has not been charged in connection with his daughter’s disappearance.

Jose is the last person who has been seen with Vanessa Morales. He was not with her when he was arrested, and he denies any involvement in her case or Christine’s death.

He told investigators he was in the bathroom at the Myrtle Avenue home when he noticed two men running towards the front door. Jose claimed he was high on PCP at the time and attempted to call 911 before being punched in the face and knocked out. The next thing he remembered was driving to his New Haven, Connecticut, home.

At 1:52 p.m. on December 1, a 911 call was placed from Jose’s phone, which pinged off a tower one street over from Christine’s house. During the call, a slurred male voice said “Myrtle Avenue,” but did not provide an exact address despite multiple requests from the dispatcher. When the audio recording was enhanced, a female voice in the background could be heard saying “Stop and hang up. Who are you contacting?” A short time later, the call was disconnected.

According to neighbors, Jose left Christine’s home about a half-hour before police arrived to check on her welfare and discovered her body. Jose’s car had been seen on video surveillance footage near a clothing donation bin in Derby, Connecticut, the day before. Several bloodstained items were discovered by workers sorting through the bin, including a puzzle, a man’s shirt, and a children’s book. Christine’s blood was found.

Vanessa’s belongings, which included a pink, purple, green, and blue teething keyring, a white blanket with multicolored polka dots, a heather-gray Eddie Bauer First Adventure backpack-style diaper bag, and a black Graco car seat, were never found. This case summary includes photos of these items. Christine’s phone, an iPhone 8 with a black case, has also gone missing; it was last seen in the Naugatuck, Connecticut area.

Authorities believe Vanessa is still alive and well in Connecticut. Her father hasn’t said anything about her disappearance or Christine’s murder. He is currently on trial for Christine’s death. Vanessa’s case is still unsolved.

Investigating Agency

• Ansonia Police Department 203-735-1885