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

[Niner]

Day 9

Ansonia Murder Suspect Testifies About Cleaning Up Crime Scene

MILFORD – On Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, as the mother of his missing daughter lay dead in her apartment, Jose Morales said he opted to leave her there and to…

valley.newhavenindependent.org

April 17, 2025
.....
Morales told a jury Thursday that he stayed with the body of Christine Holloway for over a day after her death. During that time, he said he cleaned the crime scene, including on a rug, where he saw his own bloody footprints. He said he left the apartment to buy cigars from gas stations, to get high on drugs, and to dispose of bloodied items found near Holloway’s body.
[.....]
Both the prosecution and defense have now rested their cases. Court will not meet Friday (April 18) due to Good Friday.

Judge Shari E. Murphy told the court that the jury would be given their instructions on Monday (April 21). She said closing arguments will take place that afternoon, and the jury will meet for deliberations afterward.

Gavin, the attorney representing Morales, made a motion to acquit his client. Murphy said she would defer to the jury’s judgment.

 

[CuriousCarly]

What were his two prior felonies? I know one was drug related, and I'm finding info about violent felonies, but cannot get closer to any info.

 

[Megnut]

Day 9

Ansonia Murder Suspect Testifies About Cleaning Up Crime Scene

MILFORD – On Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, as the mother of his missing daughter lay dead in her apartment, Jose Morales said he opted to leave her there and to…

valley.newhavenindependent.org

April 17, 2025
.....
Morales told a jury Thursday that he stayed with the body of Christine Holloway for over a day after her death. During that time, he said he cleaned the crime scene, including on a rug, where he saw his own bloody footprints. He said he left the apartment to buy cigars from gas stations, to get high on drugs, and to dispose of bloodied items found near Holloway’s body.
[.....]
Both the prosecution and defense have now rested their cases. Court will not meet Friday (April 18) due to Good Friday.

Judge Shari E. Murphy told the court that the jury would be given their instructions on Monday (April 21). She said closing arguments will take place that afternoon, and the jury will meet for deliberations afterward.

Gavin, the attorney representing Morales, made a motion to acquit his client. Murphy said she would defer to the jury’s judgment.

How thoughtful and industrious of him to clean up after the murderer.

Let me get this straight -- he confessed in testimony to everything but the pesky murder part.

Well, that's credible. NOT.

WHERE IS VANESSA?

 

[Seattle1]

What were his two prior felonies? I know one was drug related, and I'm finding info about violent felonies, but cannot get closer to any info.

When investigating the murder of Christine, Morales was first arrested and charged with two counts of felon in possession of a weapon (stun guns).

The guns were found in Morales’ First Avenue bedroom on Dec. 3. At the time, police were searching Morales’ home for evidence that might link him to Holloway’s murder and the missing infant.

He has a prior criminal record dating back to 1993 which includes sale of narcotics, violation of protective orders, carrying a pistol without a permit and domestic violence.

Pending Case Detail

Information is accurate as of April 10, 2020 04:50 AM

Defendant Information
Last, First: MORALES JOSE Represented By: 423934 PATTIS & S LLC
Birth Year: 1976 Times on the Docket: 2
Docket Information
Docket No: AAN -CR19-0225552-T Arresting Agency: LOCAL POLICE NEW HAVEN
Companion:
Program: Arrest Date: 12/3/2019
Court: Milford JD Bond Amount: $250,000 (This case only)
Bond Type: Set
Miscellaneous: (Not Released From Custody)
Activity: Pre-Trial Next Court Date: 4/15/2020 10:00 AM
Current Charges
Statute Description Class Type Occ Offense Date Plea Verdict Finding
53a-217 CRIM POSS FRARM/AMM/DFNS WEAPN C Felony 1 12/3/2019
53a-217 CRIM POSS FRARM/AMM/DFNS WEAPN C Felony 1 12/3/2019

Register with Connecticut Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (CT SAVIN)
CT SAVIN is a free, confidential service that gives crime victims and members of the community information about an offender’s court case.

https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Gun-charges-for-Ansonia-murder-defendant-15086896.php

 

[CuriousCarly]

When investigating the murder of Christine, Morales was first arrested and charged with two counts of felon in possession of a weapon (stun guns).

The guns were found in Morales’ First Avenue bedroom on Dec. 3. At the time, police were searching Morales’ home for evidence that might link him to Holloway’s murder and the missing infant.

He has a prior criminal record dating back to 1993 which includes sale of narcotics, violation of protective orders, carrying a pistol without a permit and domestic violence.

https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Gun-charges-for-Ansonia-murder-defendant-15086896.php

He's quite the find. It sounds like poor Christine's partner picker was broken.

 

[Niner]

Monday, April 21st:
*Trial continues (Day 10)-CLOSING ARGUMENTS! (@ 10am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, 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 48) (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. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 3/12/25: 12 jurors selected.] 3/18/25 4 alternates selected. 2 jurors (1 juror & 1 alternate have dropped out as of 3/20/25. Final jury selection on 3/25/25.
Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/7/25: 2 jurors excused – now 12 jurors & 2 alternates. 4/11/25: 1 juror dismissed – now 12 jurors & 1 alternates.
Trial began on 4/7/25. Prosecutors rested their case on 4/16/25. Defense started their case on 4/16/25 & rested their case on 4/17/25.
Closing arguments on 4/21/25 & jury off to deliberate.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy. Prosecutor Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Marc Durso & 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. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-19 (2/24-3/25/25) & Trial Day 1-8 (4/7-4/16/25) reference post #800 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-40
4/17/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 9: Defense witness: Jose Morales.
*Both the prosecution & defense have rested their cases. Court will not meet Friday (April 18) due to Good Friday.
*Judge Shari E. Murphy told the court that the jury would be given their instructions on Monday, 4/21/25. She said closing arguments will take place that afternoon & the jury will meet for deliberations afterward.
*Gavin, the attorney representing Morales, made a motion to acquit his client. Judge Murphy said she would defer to the jury’s judgment.

 

[Seattle1]

4/21/25

VIDEO: Closing arguments underway in Jose Morales murder trial​

 

[Seattle1]

LIVE | Jose Morales Trial | Day 10​

 

[Seattle1]

CT v. Jose Morales: Missing Daughter, Murdered Mother Trial

Jose Morales is accused of killing Christine Holloway in 2019. Their 1-year-old daughter vanished the same night and remains missing.

www.courttv.com

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914327808706256934

 

[Niner]

Day 10 - closing arguments

Lawyers Make Closing Arguments In Morales Trial, Case Heads Toward…

MILFORD – A prosecutor said Jose Morales was a controlling boyfriend who beat Christine Holloway to death in her Ansonia apartment the morning of Dec. 1,…

valley.newhavenindependent.org

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/jose-morales-christine-holloway-vanessa-closing-arguments-expected-in-trial-of-man-suspected-of-killing-ansonia-girlfriend/

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, April 22nd:
*Trial continues (Day 11)-VERDICT WATCH! (@ 9:30am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, 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 48) (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. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 3/12/25: 12 jurors selected.] 3/18/25 4 alternates selected. 2 jurors (1 juror & 1 alternate have dropped out as of 3/20/25. Final jury selection on 3/25/25.
Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/7/25: 2 jurors excused – now 12 jurors & 2 alternates. 4/11/25: 1 juror dismissed – now 12 jurors & 1 alternates.
Trial began on 4/7/25. Prosecutors rested their case on 4/16/25. Defense started their case on 4/16/25 & rested their case on 4/17/25.
Closing arguments on 4/21/25 & jury off to deliberate.
Jury deliberations: 4/21/25: ½ hour.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy presiding. Prosecutor Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Marc Durso & 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. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-19 (2/24-3/25/25) & Trial Day 1-9 (4/7-4/17/25) reference post #806 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-41
4/21/25 Monday, Trial Day 10: Closing arguments by Prosecutor Howard Stein & by defense attorney Edward Gavin. The jury sent out to deliberate @ about 4pm & left at 4:30pm.
Trial continues with jury deliberations on Tuesday, 4/22/25.

 

[sds71]

Morales’s bond was increased to $2.5 million. His sentencing date was set for July 8.

Jose Morales found guilty of murdering of Christine Holloway

A verdict was reached in a murder trial at Milford Superior Court, court officials said.

www.wfsb.com

 

[LaineyJ]

I have been so invested in this case since it hit the local news in 2019. I don’t think anything will ever compel him to admit what he did to Vanessa. So sad.

 

[Megnut]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1914713522577318011

 

[Niner]

Update!

Tuesday, April 22nd:
*Trial continues (Day 11)-VERDICT REACHED! (@ 9:30am ET) – CT - Christine Marie Holloway (43) (last seen Nov. 27, 2019, found deceased on Dec. 2, 2019 during a welfare check, 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 48) (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. CT Superior Court in Milford Superior Court
Jury selection began 2/24/25. A panel of 12 jurors & 4 alternates will be selected. [as of 3/12/25: 12 jurors selected.] 3/18/25 4 alternates selected. 2 jurors (1 juror & 1 alternate have dropped out as of 3/20/25. Final jury selection on 3/25/25.
Jury: 12 jurors & 4 alternates. 4/7/25: 2 jurors excused – now 12 jurors & 2 alternates. 4/11/25: 1 juror dismissed – now 12 jurors & 1 alternates.
Trial began on 4/7/25. Prosecutors rested their case on 4/16/25. Defense started their case on 4/16/25 & rested their case on 4/17/25.
Closing arguments on 4/21/25 & jury off to deliberate.
Jury deliberations: 4/21/25: ½ hour. 4/22/25 Day 2: 9:30am to ~1pm. Total deliberations: ~4 hours.
Verdict: Guilty on all charges.
Superior Court Judge Shari Murphy presiding. Prosecutor Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein & Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Marc Durso & Defense attorney Edward Gavin.
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 & Jury Selection Day 1-19 (2/24-3/25/25) & Trial Day 1-10/Verdict Watch Day 1 (4/7-4/17/25) reference post #812 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-41
4/22/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 11/Verdict Watch Day 2: Jury deliberations at 9:30am to about 1pm. A verdict was reached in a murder trial at Milford Superior Court. Morales was found guilty of killing Christine Holloway in her apartment in Ansonia in 2019. He was also found guilty of tampering with evidence. Morales’s bond was increased to $2.5 million. His sentencing date was set for 7/8/25.

 

[Niner]

Morales’s bond was increased to $2.5 million. His sentencing date was set for July 8.

Jose Morales found guilty of murdering of Christine Holloway

A verdict was reached in a murder trial at Milford Superior Court, court officials said.

www.wfsb.com

Strange - I have his bond at $5m .... ??

Maybe they meant increased an additional $2.5M ??

Anyway - I will leave at $5M

 

[Bounceycat]

Strange - I have his bond at $5m .... ??

Maybe they meant increased an additional $2.5M ??

Anyway - I will leave at $5M

JMO but I don't understand why he has any bond at all!

 

[Seattle1]

JMO but I don't understand why he has any bond at all!

This is definitely unique to CT. If Morales was wealthy, he could have been out until sentencing!

 

[Seattle1]

VIDEO: Jury finds Jose Morales guilty in murder trial

A jury found Jose Morales guilty of murdering Christine Holloway.

www.wfsb.com