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

ANSONIA, CT — Police have confirmed that Christine Holloway, the mother of missing 1-year-old Vanessa Morales was found dead at her Myrtle Avenue residence. Meanwhile police and Vanessa’s family are pleading that people come forward with information that will help lead to her safe return.

A lead has police searching the Kiducation donation center in Hamden after an employee found a concerning item in one of the company’s donation bins, said Ansonia Lt. Patrick Lynch at a Thursday evening press conference. Ansonia, State and Hamden police have been processing the warehouse for potential evidence Thursday. Kiducation is a trademark for the non-profit Community Crusade for Children, according to the company’s website. It recycles clothing.

Police are working under the assumption that Vanessa is alive and with someone, Lynch said as they haven’t seen any evidence that suggests otherwise.

“We just want to know where she is and that she is safe and well,” Lynch said.

Police went to Holloway’s home Monday night for a welfare check and found her dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide that was caused by blunt force trauma. Police issued a Silver Alert for Vanessa on Tuesday and an Amber Alert on Wednesday.

The Valley Independent Sentinel reports 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.

Vanessa 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.