Stratford Restaurant To Hold Fundraiser For Missing Girl's Family

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford restaurant is holding an event Saturday to raise money for the family of a missing Ansonia 1-year-old and her mother, who was found dead of a homicide nearly two weeks ago.

The fundraiser is being hosted by Joey C's Boathouse, which hopes to collect money for a reward in the search for Vanessa Morales, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant.

Police continue to investigate the disappearance of Morales and the killing of her mother, Christine Holloway. State police, the FBI and other local police departments have assisted with the investigation. An Amber Alert was issued for Vanessa Dec. 4 after a Silver Alert was issued a day prior. Police discovered Vanessa was missing Dec. 2 after going to Holloway's home for a welfare check and finding the mother dead. Holloway's death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

Lt. Patrick Lynch said the Ansonia Police Department isn't releasing suspect or person of interest information and that they are building a strong case, according to the Connecticut Post. NBC Connecticut and Fox 61 are reporting that Vanessa's father Jose Morales is being investigated in connection with the death of Holloway. Both cited law enforcement sources.

Police have searched several nearby towns including Derby, Naugatuck and Hamden as part of their investigation. Ansonia police also asked Stratford officers to check a vehicle in town, in which a tipster reported a girl who looked like Vanessa, according to the Connecticut Post, which said the child turned out to be the driver's granddaughter.

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.

The Stratford fundraiser will begin 7:30 p.m. at the restaurant, 955 Ferry Blvd. A $20 donation will include a buffet and entertainment, the Facebook post said.