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

[sds71]

On December 2, 2019 the Ansonia Police Department began an investigation into the disappearance of Vanessa Morales. The disappearance is still an active investigation, unfortunately after 5 years we are in the same place we were when the investigation began. We do not know what happened to Vanessa, but continue to ask the public for assistance in this investigation, looking for any information that will lead to determining what happened to Vanessa. The photos attached are Vanessa around the time of her disappearancean and an age progressed photo of Vanessa.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

Ansonia Police Department

Ansonia Police Department. 11,314 likes · 537 talking about this · 26 were here. This account is NOT monitored 24/7. It will NOT be used to accept complaints or to dispatch Officers to calls....

www.facebook.com

 

[sds71]

Jury selection for Jose Morales’ murder trial in the death of his daughter’s mother, Christine Holloway, has been set for 2/24 at Milford Superior Court with the trial beginning 3/18. Holloway was killed in her Ansonia home five years ago.

At the time police found Holloway dead, her infant daughter with Morales was no where to be found. The continued search for Vanessa Morales has come up empty. Vanessa’s father is considered a suspect in her disappearance but has not been charged.

@News12CT

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866142610902921351

@Niner

 

[Niner]

Jury selection for Jose Morales’ murder trial in the death of his daughter’s mother, Christine Holloway, has been set for 2/24 at Milford Superior Court with the trial beginning 3/18. Holloway was killed in her Ansonia home five years ago.

At the time police found Holloway dead, her infant daughter with Morales was no where to be found. The continued search for Vanessa Morales has come up empty. Vanessa’s father is considered a suspect in her disappearance but has not been charged.

@News12CT

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866142610902921351

@Niner

Thank you!

Anything in the court site about a hearing before jury selection? TIA on that!

 

[Seattle1]

Thank you! View attachment 550333

Anything in the court site about a hearing before jury selection? TIA on that! View attachment 550334

Nope. Both cases still haven't been updated past today's hearing 12/9:

Information is accurate as of December 09, 2024 07:21 AM

Search By: Defendant = MORALES,Court = Milford Judicial District, Category = Criminal,First Initial = J

Record Count: 2

Defendant (Last, First) Birth Year Court Next Activity/Status Next Activity/Status Date Hearing Type Docket No. MORALES JOSE [td] 1976​

Milford JD	Jury Trial	12/09/2024 10:00 AM	​ AAN -CR19-0225552-T
MORALES JOSE LUIS	Milford JD	Jury Trial	12/09/2024 10:00 AM	​ AAN -CR20-0186660-T
1

[td] [/td]
[td]
1976

[/td]
[td] [/td]

[/td]

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

 

[Ladyotm]

This doesn't appear to be a case that I've followed.
For those that have followed this case can you help me with a few questions?
How far away (same city, state, etc) was Morales arrested?
Was any of Vanessa's DNA found at the murder scene?
Does any of Morales' friends or family members regularly attend his hearings or visit with him?

 

[Cloudydiamond]

This doesn't appear to be a case that I've followed.
For those that have followed this case can you help me with a few questions?
How far away (same city, state, etc) was Morales arrested?
Was any of Vanessa's DNA found at the murder scene?
Does any of Morales' friends or family members regularly attend his hearings or visit with him?

Here are some details in the case. He was the child's dad and boyfriend to Christine. Ansonia, CT is not too far from New Haven.

Episode 168: The Murder of Christine Holloway and the Abduction of Vanessa Morales — True Crime New England

Police were called to 43-year-old Christine Holloway’s Ansonia, Connecticut home on December 2nd, 2019 at 12:52 p.m. after she failed to show up for work, which was not like her. When they arrived on scene at the home just seven minutes after the call came in, Officer Kelley rang the doorbell and kn

www.truecrimene.com

 

[sds71]

It’s been five years since one-year-old Vanessa Morales went missing, after her mother, Christine Holloway, was found dead in their Ansonia home.

“We live with the nightmare every day,” Christine Holloway’s sister-in-law and Vanessa’s Aunt Jodi Jacobellis said. “It’s heartbreaking because we’ve missed so many milestones with Vanessa.”

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/we-live-with-the-nightmare-every-day-aunt-of-missing-ansonia-child-vanessa-morales-reflects-on-5-year-anniversary-of-her-disappearance/

 

[imstilla.grandma]

In a three-page motion filed last week, the attorney, Edward Gavin, asked a judge to "preclude any testimony or other evidence from any witnesses on direct or cross-examination ... of any and all evidence concerning the alleged disappearance of the defendant's daughter, Vanessa Morales."
In the motion, Gavin notes, in bold type, that Morales has not been charged in Vanessa's disappearance, and argues that any mention of Vanessa could "mislead and confuse the jury."

"This is a high-profile case and has and continues to receive unprecedented publicity," the motion reads. "This includes media coverage on a near daily basis as well as the use of multiple press releases and statewide billboards focusing on Vanessa Morales."

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/jose-morales-vanessa-morales-trial-motions-20063710.php

 

[Niner]

I got a goog alert for the hearing - but I have ad - blockers - and not turning them off. It is in Connecticut Post.
Unless @sds71 or @Seattle1 - there is a court update or an article you can find over there - TIA!

All I got from the article is...
Attorneys to argue whether Vanessa Morales can be part of father's murder trial · Jose Morales doesn't want a jury to hear about his missing daughter.

I have trial jury selection next on 2/24/25. Trial starts 3/18/25

 

[Seattle1]

From the Court Docket accurate as of February 15, 2025 05:13 AM:

For the 2 counts -- crim possession of firearms--

Docket No:

AAN -CR19-0225552-T

Activity:

Jury Trial

Hearing Date:

[td]
2/18/2025 10:00 AM

[/td]

Pending Criminal/Motor Vehicle - Search By Defendant Name

 

[Seattle1]

From the Court Docket accurate as of February 15, 2025 05:13 AM:

For the current felony charges 1)Murder and 2) Tampering physical evidence...

Docket No:

AAN -CR20-0186660-T

Activity:

Jury Trial

Hearing Date:

[td]

2/18/2025 10:00 AM​

[/td]​

This case is not on the Milford District Court Docket for 2/19/25.

https://www.jud2.ct.gov/crdockets/CaseDetail.aspx?source=Pending&Key=be5e693e-0a82-4764-9ac1-39d51f71ce96

 

[Seattle1]

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/jose-morales-murder-trial-vanessa-morales-20172980.php

Feb 18, 2025

Edward Gavin, a lawyer representing Morales, asked Judge Shari Murphy to suppress any evidence seized from Morales' two cellphones and clothing, which they seized after Morales spoke with investigators hours after Holloway was found beaten to death inside her Myrtle Avenue home Dec. 2, 2019.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, police used information from the phone to pinpoint Morales' location in the hours after the killing, and also found Holloway's DNA on "tissue-like material" they found on the shoes they took from him.

In court, Gavin introduced a dozen search warrants obtained by police after they discovered Holloway's body, noting they didn't obtain search warrants for the cellphones until Dec. 4, 2019, and didn't get a warrant for his clothes until Dec. 6, 2019.

 

[Seattle1]

Jury selection to begin Feb 24, 2025 and Trial to start March 18.

https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/jose-morales-vanessa-christine-holloway-ansonia-19969014.php

 

[Niner]

Jury selection to begin Feb 24, 2025 and Trial to start March 18.

https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/jose-morales-vanessa-christine-holloway-ansonia-19969014.php

Thanks a bunch! So it looks like there was a hearing on 2/18/25. I will update my notes!

 

[katydid23]

I cling to my hopes that Morales dropped his baby girl off somewhere safe. But deep down I doubt that he really did that.

 

[Niner]

Monday, February 24th:
*Jury Selection set to begin (@ am 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 set to begin 2/24/25.
Trial set to begin on 3/18/25.
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. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 3/7/24 reference post #657 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-33
5/15/24 Update: Morales was originally scheduled to accept or reject that deal in March, but his attorney requested more time to consider it. On May 15, he was scheduled to appear again, but his date was pushed forward on 7/30/24. Morales has not yet entered a plea. In his court date in March, the decision to push the case back met with some outcry from members of Christine Holloway’s family, who were in attendance. The decision on May 15 to do the same thing again was quieter & Morales did not appear before the court.
7/30/24 Update: Morales appeared in Milford Superior Court Tuesday & refused the plea deal & where Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein asked the judge to put the case on the trial list. Morales was previously offered a plea deal, but Stein told the judge both sides were “still a substantial distance apart in reaching a resolution.” Details of the offer weren’t put on the record & attorneys wouldn’t comment. Jury selection is scheduled to happen in the court’s new term, which begins September 1 & runs until August 31 next year. With the case on the trial list, Morales will get 24 to 48 hours’ notice before jury selection begins.
12/9/24 Update: Morales’ murder trial has been set for jury selection on 2/24/25 at Milford Superior Court with the trial beginning 3/18/25.
1/23/25 Update: In a three-page motion filed last week, the attorney, Edward Gavin, asked a judge to "preclude any testimony or other evidence from any witnesses on direct or cross-examination ... of any & all evidence concerning the alleged disappearance of the defendant's daughter, Vanessa Morales." In the motion, Gavin notes, in bold type, that Morales has not been charged in Vanessa's disappearance & argues that any mention of Vanessa could "mislead and confuse the jury." "This is a high-profile case & has & continues to receive unprecedented publicity," the motion reads. "This includes media coverage on a near daily basis as well as the use of multiple press releases & statewide billboards focusing on Vanessa Morales." Attorneys to argue whether Vanessa Morales can be part of father's murder trial · Jose Morales doesn't want a jury to hear about his missing daughter.
2/18/25 Update: Hearing held. Edward Gavin, a lawyer representing Morales, asked Judge Shari Murphy to suppress any evidence seized from Morales' two cellphones & clothing, which they seized after Morales spoke with investigators hours after Holloway was found beaten to death inside her Myrtle Avenue home Dec. 2, 2019. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, police used information from the phone to pinpoint Morales' location in the hours after the killing & also found Holloway's DNA on "tissue-like material" they found on the shoes they took from him. In court, Gavin introduced a dozen search warrants obtained by police after they discovered Holloway's body, noting they didn't obtain search warrants for the cellphones until Dec. 4, 2019 & didn't get a warrant for his clothes until Dec. 6, 2019.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"This is a high-profile case and has and continues to receive unprecedented publicity," the motion reads. "This includes media coverage on a near daily basis as well as the use of multiple press releases and statewide billboards focusing on Vanessa Morales."

In a response, Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Howard Stein said the defense's assertions that the baby's disappearance and Holloway's killing aren't connected were "misplaced."

Vanessa Morales disappearance will be allowed at father's CT murder trial, judge rules

The judge will allow Vanessa Morales' disappearance to be part of her father's upcoming murder trial, but with some limitations.

www.ctpost.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"We will see how the evidence goes in, but the court is not inclined at this point to restrict fully the state's ability to introduce evidence of the missing child," Murphy said.

"I will remind counsel this includes any testimony or evidence the child remains missing," the judge said.

Vanessa Morales disappearance will be allowed at father's CT murder trial, judge rules

The judge will allow Vanessa Morales' disappearance to be part of her father's upcoming murder trial, but with some limitations.

www.newstimes.com

 

[Niner]

"We will see how the evidence goes in, but the court is not inclined at this point to restrict fully the state's ability to introduce evidence of the missing child," Murphy said.

"I will remind counsel this includes any testimony or evidence the child remains missing," the judge said.

Vanessa Morales disappearance will be allowed at father's CT murder trial, judge rules

The judge will allow Vanessa Morales' disappearance to be part of her father's upcoming murder trial, but with some limitations.

www.newstimes.com

Unfortunately I can not access this article - can you give a bit more. Was a jury selected yet? And I have a Kevin Russo as judge. Who is Murphy?? TIA!

 

[Niner]

and are the continuing jury selection?

Tuesday, February 25th:
*Jury Selection continues (Day 2) (@ am 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.
Trial set to begin on 3/18/25.
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. CT Superior court in New Haven/transfer to Milford Superior Court
Court info from 12/4/19 thru 2/18/25 reference post #696 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...d-ansonia-28-nov-2019-arrest-2.490240/page-35
2/24/25 Monday, Jury selection Day 1: No info available. Trial continues on Tuesday, 2/25/25.