Amber Alert: Search For Missing 1-Year-Old Reaches Hamden

ANSONIA, CT — Authorities are at the scene of a donation facility in Hamden for an investigation that could be connected to the search for 1-year-old Venessa Morales, according to multiple reports, including WTNH News 8. An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday for Venessa, whose mother was found dead in their home Monday evening.

Latest story: CT Amber Alert: Police ID Mother Of Missing 1-Year-Old

WTNH News 8 reports that Ansonia detectives are checking out a tip regarding a donation bin at the facility on State Street in Hamden. State Police investigators have also arrived at the scene.

Numerous media are positioned outside of Kiducation-Community Crusade for Children, Inc. at 2115 State St. in Hamden."Kiducation is a trademark of Community Crusade for Children, a non-profit, clothing recycling organization that was formed in 1996," according to the company's website.

Venessa is 2 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 17 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Ansonia Police at 203-735-1885 or the FBI at 800-225-5324.

Venessa had been living with her mother on Myrtle Avenue. Police went to the home Monday night for a welfare check and found the mother dead, according to the Connecticut Post. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the mother's death a homicide that was caused by blunt force trauma.

The New Haven and Valley Indy exclusively report that a relative of the girl was arrested on weapons charges earlier this week after a search and seizure warrant was issued in New Haven. The 43-year-old convicted felon illegally possessed two stun guns, the New Haven and Valley Indy report. The man is being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond, but has not been named a suspect in the girl's disappearance or the homicide in Ansonia.

This story will be updated when more information is available.

(Original post) ANSONIA, CT — Police issued an Amber Alert on Wednesday for missing 1-year-old Venessa Morales, whose mother was found dead in their home Monday evening.

Police provided few updates at a Wednesday evening press conference. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the mother's death a homicide that was caused by blunt force trauma, said Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch. He added that authorities are waiting for fingerprint verification before they officially release the victim's name.

"As we have previously said, our No. 1 priority is to find Venessa,” Lynch said.

Venessa's father was interviewed and is cooperating with police. She was last seen Friday; police aren't sure what she was last wearing.

Investigators continue to follow up on leads. Lynch said the Amber Alert was issued to make sure Venessa is safe and urged anyone with information to come forward no matter how small the detail.

Venessa is 2 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 17 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Ansonia Police at 203-735-1885 or the FBI at 800-225-5324. Police had issued a Silver Alert for her Tuesday.

State Police, the FBI, Derby Police and Stratford Police are assisting Ansonia police with the investigation. Stratford Police helped investigate a lead in their city, and Derby Police have offered their detectives to assist Ansonia in the investigation.

Venessa had been living with her mother on Myrtle Avenue. Police went to the home Monday night for a welfare check and found the mother dead, according to the Connecticut Post.

Amber Alerts are issued when law enforcement believes a child was abducted and the child is in imminent danger.