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Police have named Jose Morales as a suspect in both the investigation involving the disappearance of Vanessa Morales and the homicide of her mother, Christine Holloway, earlier this month in Ansonia, though he has not been charged in either case.
New Haven resident Morales made a court appearance this week after being arrested for illegally possessing stun guns when police searched his home as part of their search for 1-year-old Vanessa. Morales is barred from possessing weapons due to his status as a convicted felon.
He has been charged with two counts of criminal possession of an electronic weapon. He’s currently being held in lieu of $250,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear back in court on Jan. 22 next year.
An Amber Alert was issued for the child on Monday, Dec. 2, when she was reported missing in Ansonia and her mother, Christine Holloway, was found dead in their home due to blunt force trauma. The Amber Alert remains active.
“The suspect in both the homicide of Christine and disappearance of Vanessa is Jose Morales, the father of Vanessa Morales and the boyfriend of Christine Holloway,” police said. “Jose is currently incarcerated and has been since (Tuesday), Dec. 3.
Police said that they first responded to a Myrtle Street home at approximately 1 p.m. on Dec. 2, for a welfare check after Morales' mother failed to show up for work and didn't call in sick. An officer responded to the house but didn't make contact with anyone.
A second welfare check was conducted later in the day at approximately 7:30 p.m., and officers then forced their way inside when there was no response again. At that point, they found the body of Holloway.
“Finding Vanessa and bringing her home safely is our main priority. We are not looking to arrest or start criminal proceedings against whoever has Vanessa; we just want her returned to her family. It is imperative that we find Vanessa, a 1-year old child who is wholly dependent on others for her care and well-being and we know locating Vanessa would bring a sense of relief to her family.”
Anyone who had contact or saw Jose Morales on Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1, or Monday, Dec. 2, has been asked to contact the FBI tip line by calling (203) 503-5555 or the Ansonia Police Department at (203) 735-1885.
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