Ansonia police have charged 43-year-old Jose Morales, of New Haven with the murder of Christine Holloway, the mother of a 1-year-old baby girl who has been missing since December.
Holloway, 43, was found dead in her home on Myrtle Avenue in Ansonia on Dec. 2 and there was no sign of her 1-year daughter, Vanessa Morales, who is still missing. Police have issued an Amber Alert for Vanessa.
Holloway’s death has been ruled a homicide and the case is one that has police said has shaken the city.
During a news conference on Friday, Ansonia police said they have charged Jose Morales with murder. Bond for Jose Morales was set at $5 million.
Authorities said he is Vanessa’s father and was dating Christine.
The search continues for the baby.
"To this day, we continue to follow every possible lead in trying to locate baby Vanessa," Ansonia Police Chief Andrew Cota said Friday.
"I hope this arrest helps bring some closure to the Holloway family. I will also add that we will continue our search for baby Vanessa in hopes of returning her home safely," Cota said.
Jose Morales has been in police custody since Dec. 3 on an unrelated criminal possession of a firearm charge out of New Haven.
On Friday, Ansonia police charged him with murder and tampering with evidence. He is being held on a $5 million bond.
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He is being represented by attorneys Norm Pattis and Kevin Smith and the next hearing is set for Feb. 18 in Milford Court.
Police said they hope now that an arrest has been made this will lead whoever has information to come forward.
Lieutenant Patrick Lynch said Jose Morales was the last known person to be seen with Vanessa.
Anyone with information on the disappearance of Vanessa Morales is asked to call FBI tip line at 203-503-5555 or the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or through Tip411.
