The search for a baby missing since 2019 continued on in Connecticut, the day after her father
was sentenced to 65 years behind bars
for the beating death of his girlfriend, Christine Holloway.
Jose Morales in April
was convicted of murder and evidence tampering
in connection with Holloway’s slaying, which occurred at her home in Ansonia, just west of New Haven, some five years ago. Her bruised and naked body was found in the bathtub on Dec. 12, 2019 — and the couple’s 14-month-old daughter, Vanessa, has been missing ever since.
Efforts to find the little girl have continued over the years. Authorities previously said Morales was a suspect in her disappearance, but he was never charged.
Prosecutors said Morales spent the day after the killing
attempting to clean up the crime scene
. His efforts included ditching a bloodstained diaper pail and towel found, which were later located in a clothing donation bin. He also reportedly stopped for cigarettes and cigars while Holloway’s body remained in the tub.
Before handing down her sentence on Monday, Judge Shari Murphy called the crime “gruesome,” adding that it showed Morales had little care for human life, according to CBS News.
“Mr. Morales, you are a dangerous person, a significant threat to society and you need to be
removed from the community
for a substantial period of time,” the judge said.
Many of Holloway’s family members and loved ones were present for Morales’ sentencing hearing, the Connecticut Post reported. They all sported white T-shirts with an image of Holloway on the front and baby Vanessa on the back.
“He deserves to die in jail and rot in Hell,” Holloway’s brother, Steven, said, per the Post. “He shows no remorse. Not one tear has come down his face this whole time.”
His fiancee, Jodi Jacobellis, echoed the sentiment. She said Morales is “not a human being. He’s nothing but monster.”
