Still Missing CT - Vanessa Morales, 1, missing after mother found deceased, Ansonia, 28 Nov 2019 *arrest* #2

[Niner]

Attorney for Jose Morales: 220,000 pieces of evidence in Ansonia murder case against father of missing girl

Attorney Ed Gavin told News 12 the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case and has to get caught up.

connecticut.news12.com

Sept. 12, 2023

The attorney for Jose Morales, the father of Vanessa Morales who is accused of killing the missing girl's mother, said Monday he has reviewed all the discovery in the murder case against Morales, which is extensive.



"We just had the last 15 discs turned over to us that we have gone through. There's about 220,000 pieces of evidence in this case, so we've had the opportunity to go through those," said attorney Ed Gavin during a brief hearing Monday.

Gavin told News 12 the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case and has to get caught up. Morales wore a cross in his first appearance before Russo Monday.
[.....]
In court, Jose Morales waved at a family member before he was led out. He's due back before the judge on Oct. 10.

 

[Seattle1]

Attorney for Jose Morales: 220,000 pieces of evidence in Ansonia murder case against father of missing girl

Attorney Ed Gavin told News 12 the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case and has to get caught up.

connecticut.news12.com

Sept. 12, 2023

The attorney for Jose Morales, the father of Vanessa Morales who is accused of killing the missing girl's mother, said Monday he has reviewed all the discovery in the murder case against Morales, which is extensive.



"We just had the last 15 discs turned over to us that we have gone through. There's about 220,000 pieces of evidence in this case, so we've had the opportunity to go through those," said attorney Ed Gavin during a brief hearing Monday.

Gavin told News 12 the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case and has to get caught up. Morales wore a cross in his first appearance before Russo Monday.
[.....]
In court, Jose Morales waved at a family member before he was led out. He's due back before the judge on Oct. 10.

Was it reported why Judge Peter Brown is no longer hearing this case?

So frustrating how slowly this case has progressed since 2019!

The next hearing on Oct 10 at 10AM is slated as Pre-Trial hearing.

Activity:

Pre-Trial

Next Court Date:

10/10/2023 10:00 AM​

Pending Criminal / Motor Vehicle – Search by Docket Number

 

[Niner]

Was it reported why Judge Peter Brown is no longer hearing this case?

So frustrating how slowly this case has progressed since 2019!

The next hearing on Oct 10 at 10AM is slated as Pre-Trial hearing.

Activity:

Pre-Trial

Next Court Date:

10/10/2023 10:00 AM​

Pending Criminal / Motor Vehicle – Search by Docket Number

I had not heard there was going to be a new judge as I can not access the court site.
And thanks for the additional info on the next hearing!

 

[Seattle1]

I had not heard there was going to be a new judge as I can not access the court site.
And thanks for the additional info on the next hearing!

You are not missing much re. the court site -- it's terrible. All I can tell you is Morales has been on the docket 30 times but I can't see the cumulative docket or why a new judge was assigned. I could only see the next hearing date and time.

 

[Seattle1]

MSN

9/11/23

MILFORD — The lawyer representing a New Haven man accused of killing the mother of his child in Ansonia more than three years ago said Monday he has reviewed more than 220,000 pieces of evidence in preparation for trial in the case.

The suspect, Jose Morales, 46, made a brief appearance Monday before Superior Court Judge Kevin S. Russo in Milford.

The judge, who began presiding over criminal cases in Milford this month, will meet with Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein and Morales’ attorney, Edward Gavin, in the coming weeks, the lawyers said in court.

“I think it would be beneficial to everyone if we had the opportunity to meet with your honor to bring you up to speed as to where we are and get the court’s thoughts about scheduling the trial,” Gavin said.

[..]

Morales remains in custody at the state Correctional Institution in Cheshire on $5 million bond. He has also pleaded not guilty in a separate case to two charges of criminal possession of a firearm.

Morales was identified early on as a suspect in Holloway’s death, which was determined to be from blunt-force trauma.

During an interview with investigators, Morales claimed he was in the Myrtle Avenue home when he saw men running toward the front door, police said. Morales said he was on PCP and was punched in the face and knocked out as he tried to call 911, police said.

Members of Holloway’s family attend every hearing in the case, and were in court Monday, but did not speak while leaving court.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Oct. 10th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 10am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose L. Morales (43/now 46) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M.
Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo.
Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K.
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 6/1/23 reference post #620 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-31
8/10/23 Update: Next hearing on 9/11/23. 9/11/23 Update: The attorney for Morales said Monday he has reviewed all the discovery in the murder case against Morales, which is extensive. "We just had the last 15 discs turned over to us that we have gone through. There's about 220,000 pieces of evidence in this case, so we've had the opportunity to go through those," said attorney Ed Gavin during a brief hearing Monday. Gavin said the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case & has to get caught up. Morales waved at a family member before he was led out. He's due back before the judge on 10/10/23 for pretrial hearing @ 10am.

 

[Niner]

@sds71 - any updates yet on the next hearing for Morales? No trial date yet?

TIA!

 

[Seattle1]

Defendant (Last, First)	Birth Year	Court	Next Activity/Status	Next Activity/Status Date	Hearing Type	Docket No.
MORALES JOSE	1976​	Milford JD	Pre-Trial	11/28/2023 10:00 AM		AAN -CR19-0225552-T
MORALES JOSE LUIS	1976​	Milford JD	Pre-Trial	11/28/2023 10:00 AM		AAN -CR20-0186660-T

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

@Niner

 

[Niner]

Defendant (Last, First)	Birth Year	Court	Next Activity/Status	Next Activity/Status Date	Hearing Type	Docket No.
MORALES JOSE	1976​	Milford JD	Pre-Trial	11/28/2023 10:00 AM		AAN -CR19-0225552-T
MORALES JOSE LUIS	1976​	Milford JD	Pre-Trial	11/28/2023 10:00 AM		AAN -CR20-0186660-T

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

@Niner

Thanks - much appreciated!

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, November 28th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 10am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019, Ansonia) & Vanessa Morales (17 mos.) (last seen Nov. 29, 2019, reported missing Dec. 3, 2019, Amber Alert on Dec. 4, 2019-not found) - *Jose Luis Morales (43/now 47) (BF) arrested (12/3/19), charged & arraigned (2/7/20) with felony murder, tampering with physical evidence & 2 counts of criminal possession of firearm (see below). Plead not guilty. Bond $5M.
Superior Court Judge Kevin Russo.
Prosecutor Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
First arrested (12/3/19), charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (3/5/20) with 2 counts of criminal possession of a pistol (2 stun guns). Plead not guilty. Bond $25K.
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 8/10/23 reference post #626 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-32
9/11/23 Update: The attorney for Morales said Monday he has reviewed all the discovery in the murder case against Morales, which is extensive. "We just had the last 15 discs turned over to us that we have gone through. There's about 220,000 pieces of evidence in this case, so we've had the opportunity to go through those," said attorney Ed Gavin during a brief hearing Monday. Gavin said the case is still headed to trial, but there's no date yet because Judge Kevin Russo just took over the case & has to get caught up. Morales waved at a family member before he was led out. He's due back before the judge on 10/10/23 for pretrial hearing @ 10am.
10/10/23 Update: Next pretrial hearing on 11/28/23 @ 10am.

 

[Niner]

Jose Morales plea deal not expected to include info about missing daughter Vanessa, lawyer says

Morales is expected to return to court Jan. 18 to formally receive the plea offer that...

www.ctpost.com

Nov. 29, 2023
MILFORD — More than four years after police say Jose Morales killed Christine Holloway, he is likely to receive a formal plea offer in the case early next year.

But his lawyer, Edward Gavin, doesn't expect any potential deal to call on Morales to reveal the whereabouts of his and Holloway's daughter Vanessa, who has been missing since police said he beat Holloway to death inside a Myrtle Avenue home in Ansonia in December 2019. Vanessa was one year old at the time.
[.....]
Gavin said after formally receiving the offer next month, Morales would then likely be brought back to court sometime in February to accept or reject it.

Morales himself did not appear in the courtroom Tuesday. Members of Holloway's family, who attend every court hearing in the case, left prior to the case being called.

So - @sds71 - any court hearing updates for February? TIA!

 

[Seattle1]

Information is accurate as of December 01, 2023 04:50 AM

Defendant (Last, First) Birth Year Court Next Activity/Status Next Activity/Status Date Hearing Type Docket No. MORALES JOSE 1976​ Milford JD Pre-Trial 01/18/2024 10:00 AM AAN -CR19-0225552-T MORALES JOSE LUIS 1976​ Milford JD Pre-Trial 01/18/2024 10:00 AM AAN -CR20-0186660-T 1

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

@Niner -- nothing on the docket as of today for February but he has a date for both cases in January.

 

[Niner]

Information is accurate as of December 01, 2023 04:50 AM

Defendant (Last, First) Birth Year Court Next Activity/Status Next Activity/Status Date Hearing Type Docket No. MORALES JOSE 1976​ Milford JD Pre-Trial 01/18/2024 10:00 AM AAN -CR19-0225552-T MORALES JOSE LUIS 1976​ Milford JD Pre-Trial 01/18/2024 10:00 AM AAN -CR20-0186660-T 1

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

@Niner -- nothing on the docket as of today for February but he has a date for both cases in January.

Thanks!

 

[deadfoot13]

Jose Morales plea deal not expected to include info about missing daughter Vanessa, lawyer says

Morales is expected to return to court Jan. 18 to formally receive the plea offer that...

www.ctpost.com

Nov. 29, 2023
MILFORD — More than four years after police say Jose Morales killed Christine Holloway, he is likely to receive a formal plea offer in the case early next year.

But his lawyer, Edward Gavin, doesn't expect any potential deal to call on Morales to reveal the whereabouts of his and Holloway's daughter Vanessa, who has been missing since police said he beat Holloway to death inside a Myrtle Avenue home in Ansonia in December 2019. Vanessa was one year old at the time.
[.....]
Gavin said after formally receiving the offer next month, Morales would then likely be brought back to court sometime in February to accept or reject it.

Morales himself did not appear in the courtroom Tuesday. Members of Holloway's family, who attend every court hearing in the case, left prior to the case being called.

So - @sds71 - any court hearing updates for February? TIA!

Thank you for sharing this news.

My question isn't necessarily directed at you, but anyone out there who knows the answer -- why wouldn't they make any deal contingent upon him disclosing VM's whereabouts? I would think that would be the ultimate bargaining chip for both sides.

 

[Seattle1]

Thank you for sharing this news.

My question isn't necessarily directed at you, but anyone out there who knows the answer -- why wouldn't they make any deal contingent upon him disclosing VM's whereabouts? I would think that would be the ultimate bargaining chip for both sides.

Most likely because JM has not been charged with disappearing his daughter or anything involved with her disappearance. JM has long maintained he has no knowledge of what happened to her. JMO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The investigation led to the arrest of Vanessa's father Jose Morales for Christine’s homicide. Vanessa still has not been found.

Ansonia police assured that they've continued to investigate the disappearance of Vanessa and the investigation persists.

Search for missing Ansonia child reaches 4-year mark

Vanessa Morales has been missing since Dec. 2, 2019, the same day her mother Christine Holloway was found murdered.

www.fox61.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

It has been four years, Vanessa’s family and those that love her deserve answers.
Ansonia Policenone

Jose Morales, who was dating Christine and Vanessa's father, has been charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He remains in custody and his bond was set at $5 million.

Jose Morales is due in court on Jan. 18.

Little girl from Ansonia still missing after four years

Four years have passed since a little girl from Ansonia disappeared and police said they will continue the investigation until they determine what happened to her. Vanessa Morales was 1 year old when she disappeared on Dec. 2, 2019. That was the day when Ansonia police responded to the home...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

 

[Seattle1]

10 Connecticut criminal court cases to watch in 2024

From Michelle Troconis' trial in the death and disappearance of Jennifer Dulos to the...

www.stamfordadvocate.com

Jan 6, 2024

​

Plea deal likely for Jose Morales whose daughter is still missing​

More than four years after police say Jose Morales killed Christine Holloway, he is likely to receive a formal plea offer in the case this month. Police say Morales beat Holloway to death in their home on Ansonia’s Myrtle Avenue in December 2019. Their 1-year-old daughter, Vanessa, has been missing ever since, but Morales has not been charged in connection with the baby’s disappearance.

Ansonia police continue to look for the girl. Holloway’s family has said they hope a condition of any plea offer would call for Morales to reveal what happened to Vanessa. Morales, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence in the case, has been behind bars since his arrest on an unrelated weapons violation charge the day after the killing.

 

[CTPDMom]

I do hope they're able to get the info about where Vanessa is with the plea deal.

 

[Megnut]

I do hope they're able to get the info about where Vanessa is with the plea deal.

IMO ... or NO plea deal. Location should be mandatory in plea deals.

JMO