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An Amber Alert was issued for 1-year-old Venessa Morales 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 for Morales is still active. She was initially listed as an "endangered missing child," then both a Silver and Amber Alert were issued for her.
Police said that a tipster led them to conduct a search of donation bins on State Street in Hamden. They reportedly collected evidence that was to be analyzed and may help lead to Morales. They also searched for the missing child in Derby.
They’ve also followed up on dozens of other tips and leads, using all available resources, including K9 units. The community has rallied around the family, reportedly handing out flyers in the area with Morales’ information and assisting with the search.
Police said that they first responded to a Myrtle Street home at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday, 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 the mother, whose name has not been released.
Morales was not in the home when police arrived to investigate, and they have been unable to locate her. Her mother's death is being investigated as a domestic homicide.
“We the family would like to ask for anyone in our communities and beyond us to help bring Vanessa home safely,” the family said in a statement. “Anyone with any information on her whereabouts, we beg of you, please contact Ansonia Police Department or call the FBI tip line (203) 503-5555. We desperately need anyone that may be with baby Venessa to keep her safe, unharmed and get her back to us quickly.”
Police said that they will not be releasing any information on a potential suspect or person of interest. The investigation into the missing toddler is ongoing.
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