Vanessa, in an age-enhanced photo released in 2022. She is now 5-years-old.
ANSONIA — Police issued a statement on the fourth anniversary of Vanessa Morales’ disappearance saying they are still trying to find out what happened to the little girl.
Vanessa was 15 months old when she was last seen by family members in late November 2019. On Dec. 2, her mother, Christine Holloway, was found murdered in their Myrtle Avenue. Vanessa’s father, Jose Morales, has been charged with killing Holloway.
Police believe Morales was the last person to be seen with Vanessa. He has not been charged in connection with her disappearance. Morales had a court appearance last week.
On Saturday night, Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch reminded the public tips to help police find Vanessa can still be submitted anonymously by using this website or phone app.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to finding her.
Lynch told The Valley Indy tips have slowed down in recent months, but police expect more to arrive now that the fourth anniversary of the toddler’s disappearance is here.
“On Dec. 2, 2019, while our community was preparing for the upcoming holiday season, the Ansonia Police Department began our investigation into the homicide of Christine Holloway and disappearance of Christine’s 15-month-old daughter, Vanessa Morales,” Lynch said in a press release. “While the investigation led to the arrest of the father of Vanessa, Jose Morales, for Christine’s homicide, Vanessa has not been located. We have continued to investigate the disappearance of Vanessa and the investigation will continue until we can determine what happened to her. It has been four years, Vanessa’s family and those that love her deserve answers. We encourage anyone with information regarding Vanessa’s disappearance to contact the police department at 203 – 735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411.“
According to statements made in court last week, the prosecution is getting ready to offer Morales a plea bargain. However, the details are not known. The Valley Indy asked Edward Gavin whether information about Vannessa’s whereabouts would be part of an offer.
“I don’t think that would be part of it. I don’t think that would be accurate,” he said.
Morales is due back in court on Jan. 18, 2024.
