A jury in Connecticut has found a man guilty of murder and tampering with evidence concerning the 2019 slaying of his girlfriend, though the case of their missing daughter remains unresolved.
Jose Morales, aged 48 from New Haven, was convicted for the fatal beating of Christine Holloway in her Ansonia home, a city located approximately 10 miles west of New Haven. Morales now faces a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 65 years at his upcoming sentencing on July 8.
Throughout the trial held in Milford, Morales maintained his innocence regarding Holloway’s death. He recounted an incident where he, Holloway, and their 14-month-old daughter Vanessa were at Holloway’s apartment when two intruders supposedly forced their way in. According to Morales, one assailant attacked Holloway with a crowbar while the other overpowered him before abducting Vanessa, who has not been located since then. Morales also admitted to being under the influence of PCP during these events.
In the aftermath of Holloway’s death, an Amber Alert was issued for Vanessa. Her case continues to be featured on both the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children websites. Ansonia police had indicated in late 2019 that Morales was a suspect in the child’s disappearance, but he has not faced charges related to it.
Assistant State’s Attorney Howard Stein argued during closing statements on Monday that evidence demonstrated Morales had struck Holloway multiple times in the head and attempted to disguise the crime through cleanup efforts.
Edward Gavin, Morales’ defense attorney, opted not to comment following the guilty verdict. In his own closing remarks, Gavin argued there was no evidence suggesting Morales had the intention to kill Holloway.
Jury deliberations began on Monday afternoon and a unanimous decision was reached by Tuesday morning, taking approximately two hours in total to discuss the case.