Cops: Warrant for Morales in the works

Murder charge expected for death of Christine Holloway

ANSONIA — Police Chief Andrew Cota III said his officers are working diligently on a warrant that will charge Jose Morales with the murder of Christine Holloway.

But Cota said nothing will happen this week.

“The process involves a review and input by the (Milford) State’s Attorney, and over the years, I’ve learned that revisions are suggested and made,” Cota said. “This all takes time.”

Morales, 43, is being detained on two counts of being a felon in possession of stun guns. The guns were found during a search of his New Haven home on Dec. 3 — the morning after Christine Holloway’s badly beaten body was found in her Myrtle Avenue home. Morales is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court Jan. 22 on the stun gun charges.

Morales was Holloway’s boyfriend and father to 1-year-old Vanessa, who has been missing for weeks. The pair were last seen with him the day after Thanksgiving.

The double investigation — homicide and the search for the missing toddler — has put a drain on police manpower and work schedules.

But city officials say the cost has not been a concern, including an estimated $60,000 in overtime and related monies the case may eventually cost.

“The money was well spent,” said Mayor David Cassetti. “I think of Vanessa every day and pray for her safe return. That’s all that matters.”

Cota recently requested $60,725 to cover police overtime and related costs from the city’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation. The tax board authorized moving $50,000 from the contingency fund to the police department: $41,200 in overtime pay, $8,240 contributed to the municipal employees retirement fund and $560 for Social Security payments.

Cota said he was able to cover the remainder by moving funds around in his budget.

“I figured we might spend as much as $60,000 on overtime,” Cassetti said. “But my main concern has been finding Vanessa and bringing her home safely.”

The mayor said help from the State Police and the FBI has kept Ansonia’s overtime costs for the dual case relatively low.

“Chief Cota and his department has done an excellent job during these trying times,” Cassetti said.

Cota said his whole department of 44 members performed some function in the homicide and missing child case in December.

“Not only did we have people working the case but we had to have others covering their shifts and duties,” the chief said.