Vanessa and her mother, Christine Holloway. Anyone with information should call the FBI at 203 503 5555 or the Ansonia Police Department at 203 735 1885
ANSONIA — The father of missing toddler Vanessa Morales is a suspect in the killing of her mother, Christine Holloway, The Valley Indy has learned.
Vanessa, 1, was last seen by a relative in Ansonia Friday, Nov. 29. Her mother was found dead inside their Myrtle Avenue home Monday, Dec. 2. She died from blunt force trauma and her death was ruled a homicide.
Vanessa’s father has not been charged with a crime connected to the homicide nor missing child.
The Valley Indy first reported Dec. 5 that Ansonia police investigating the homicide secured a search and seizure warrant for the father’s residence in New Haven. That search happened the day after Hollway’s body was found. The warrant, which included a search of the father himself, was connected to the homicide investigation, The Valley Indy previously reported.
Ansonia police allegedly found two stun guns inside the father’s New Haven residence. Police knew the father is a convicted felon, meaning he should not have weapons, so Ansonia police called New Haven police who placed the father under arrest.
He’s been in jail ever since, and has been talking to police.
Ansonia police have yet to publicly name his as a suspect with the hope he would fully cooperate.
In a prepared statement Friday (Dec. 13) Lt. Patrick Lynch said the homicide investigation is moving forward and that the search for Vanessa is still active.
“We are not at the point where we will be releasing any suspect or person of interest information,” Lynch said. “The investigation is continuing and we are building a strong case to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion. Thank you to all the members of the community and surrounding cities and towns who have provided information and support in our efforts to arrest the person who murdered Christine and bring baby Vanessa home.”
Anyone with information should call the FBI at 203 503 5555 or the Ansonia Police Department at 203 735 1885.
Bloody clothes were found in a clothes donation bin on Derby Avenue in Derby on Dec. 5. The material is thought to be connected to Holloway’s death, which is why Derby police put out a note asking for anyone in the Derby Avenue/Route 34 east Derby area to allow police to check home security cams.
Holloway, 43, was laid to rest Wednesday, Dec. 11. Vanessa and her mom were “inseparable,” according to her obituary.
“Christine was a great mother, daughter, and sister. She always took care of her nephew Dominic and they both enjoyed spending their quality time together. Christine also enjoyed doing puzzles with her niece Serena when she would stop over her mother’s house after work,” according to her obituary.
