Milford, Connecticut — A man from Connecticut has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for killing his girlfriend, but there are still heartbreaking questions left unanswered — including what happened to their baby daughter.
On Sunday, Jose Morales, 48, was given the maximum sentence for killing Christine Holloway in 2019. She was just 43 years old when she was found beaten to death inside her home in Ansonia. Their 14-month-old daughter, Vanessa Morales, was missing at the time — and she has never been found.
A Brutal Crime
Christine’s body was discovered inside her home after she didn’t show up for work. When police arrived, they found she had been beaten to death. Her daughter, Vanessa, who lived with her, was nowhere to be found.
Investigators quickly focused on Jose Morales, Christine’s boyfriend and Vanessa’s father. Morales claimed that someone broke into the house and attacked both him and Christine, then took their baby. He also said he had been using PCP, a strong drug, around the time of the crime.
But police didn’t believe his story. After a full investigation and trial, a jury found Morales guilty of murder in April 2024.
The Sentence and the Pain
At his sentencing, the judge called Morales’s actions “vicious” and said he had shown no care for human life. The court gave him the maximum sentence: 65 years in prison.
Christine’s family was there for the sentencing. They were relieved that Morales would be behind bars for the rest of his life, but their pain was clear. Her aunt, Anna Rodonski, asked, “Where is Vanessa?” She called Morales a “monster” for what he had done — and for not telling the truth about their missing baby.
Morales chose not to speak in court before he was sentenced.
Vanessa Still Missing
Even though Morales was not charged in connection to Vanessa’s disappearance, police say he is still a suspect. Her case remains open, and detectives say they are still looking for any clues that could lead them to Vanessa.
Christine’s family and police continue to hope for answers. They believe someone out there might know something — even a small detail that could help find her.
What Happens Now
Morales will spend the rest of his life in prison. Christine’s family will try to heal, but without knowing what happened to Vanessa, they say it’s hard to move on.
Police are still asking the public for help. If anyone knows anything about what happened to Vanessa Morales in 2019, they are encouraged to come forward.
This case has been a painful reminder of how domestic violence can destroy families and leave lasting scars — especially when a child is still missing.
