Photo by Eugene Driscoll
An Ansonia police officer stopped to pickup flyers to distribute.
ANSONIA — The extended members of Vanessa Morales’ family were at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Beaver Street in Ansonia Friday morning handing out more than 100 flyers with photos of the missing child.
If you have information on the little girl’s whereabouts, the numbers to call are:
FBI: 203 503 5555
Ansonia PD: 203 735 1885
Tips can also be directed to Ansonia Police Department’s Facebook page and the department’s online tip site.
Tips can be anonymous.
The flyer. Anyone with information should call the FBI at 203 503 5555 or Ansonia PD at 203 735 1885.
Background
Vanessa’s mother, Christine Holloway, 43, was found dead inside their home Monday at 6 ½ Myrtle Drive in Ansonia. The child was last seen by a relative Friday, according to police.
Holloway’s death has been ruled a homicide. She died from blunt force trauma.
Vanessa and her mother, Christine Holloway.
Police discovered her body after forcing their way into the house Monday evening. They realized something was wrong during a requested ‘welfare check.’ Police received information stating that Vanessa lived there — but she was not there, and it is unknown what happened to her or where she is.
Police have not identified a suspect or suspects.
The Investigation
“There are no new developments in the investigation of the missing child Vanessa Morales or the homicide investigation. Law enforcement is continuing to follow leads, gather evidence and interview potential witnesses,” Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch said in an email just before 12 p.m. Friday.
A Silver Alert for Vanessa went out Tuesday morning. An Amber Alert went out Wednesday afternoon. Police said they did not have enough information, such as a description of a suspect, a vehicle, or what the child was wearing, to trigger an immediate Amber Alert.
The investigation has taken police to Derby, Naugatuck, Hamden and Stratford. It is still very much active. Members of the Ansonia police department have been holding daily updates at 5 p.m. in Ansonia City Hall.
On Thursday, one of Vanessa’s aunts appeared at a press conference to ask for the public’s help. Click here for previous story.
After receiving a tip, police Thursday searched clothing donation bins, including a distribution center in Hamden.
The most recent photo of Vanessa Morales, according to state police. Anyone with information should call the FBI at 203 503 5555 or Ansonia PD at 203 735 1885.
Ansonia police have gone door to door in the Myrtle Avenue area searching for exterior home security videos.
Derby police put out a request for any existing “Ring” service videos from people who live along Derby or New Haven avenues from Division Street to the Orange town line.
As part of the homicide investigation, Ansonia police served a search and seizure warrant Tuesday for Vanessa’s father and his residence.
Ansonia police found two stun guns in his bedroom in New Haven, according to a court document, so they called New Haven police, who arrested him on two weapons charges. He’s being held on a $250,000 bond.
Friday Morning
Joshua Morales is Vanessa’s cousin. He was one of the toddler’s relatives handing out ‘missing’ flyers to motorists a block or two from Vanessa’s house in 34-degree temperatures at 8 a.m. Friday.
“It’s been hard, especially for my grandparents because they dealt with her (Vanessa) the most,” Morales said.
He said the family appreciates the community’s support.
Joshua Morales talks with reporters Friday morning in Ansonia.
“It means a lot that people are passing it along. That means a lot,” Morales said, referring to people who stopped to take a flyer and offer moral support.
Family members have been using Facebook to mobilize and spread information about the missing little girl.
Toni Cochran is Joshua’s aunt. She urged people to pray for Vanessa’s safe return, and to call authorities with information.
“It’s sad. This is very sad. Everyone just wants to bring her home safe. That is all,” Cochran said. “I’m confident she is going to come home safe — prayers, everyone needs to pray.”
And people are invited to pray and show their support 7 p.m. Saturday next to Ansonia City Hall at 253 Main St., according to the flyer below:
