True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode: Mother Killed & Baby ABDUCTED: What Happened to Christine & Vanessa Holloway?

Release Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

Kendall Rae devotes this episode to the devastating case of Christine Holloway, a beloved mother and childcare worker who was brutally murdered in Ansonia, Connecticut, in December 2019, and the mysterious disappearance of her 14-month-old daughter, Vanessa. Despite significant time passing, Vanessa has never been found, and her case remains open. Kendall’s empathetic exploration highlights not only the facts and chronology of the investigation but also the ongoing pain of Christine’s family as they continue to search for answers and justice.

1. Background & Profiles

Christine Holloway

• Born on Halloween 1976, eldest of five siblings, described as the “golden child” with a contagious laugh.
• Deeply valued family and faith, was a member of a women’s Catholic organization ("Columbia").
• Worked at Bright Morning Star Childcare in Bridgeport, Connecticut—dedicated, patient, loved children.
• Became a mother to Vanessa in 2018, a long-held wish.
• Was in a turbulent relationship with Jose Morales, Vanessa’s father. (02:00–06:30)

Notable Quote

“She was definitely the golden child and had the most contagious big belly laugh that you’d ever heard.” – Kendall Rae (03:30)

Vanessa Holloway

• Christine’s only child, 14 months old at the time of disappearance.
• No evidence Vanessa was harmed at the crime scene. (40:10, 59:30)

2. Timeline of Disappearance & Murder

Discovery of Christine Missing

• December 2, 2019: Christine does not show up to work; her boss contacts police for a welfare check.
• Christine’s family also searches and learns she’s missing. Open windows in frigid weather further concern officers and family, but no one answers the door and there’s no direct evidence for forced entry at first. (06:30–13:00)

Notable Moment

• Suspicion heightens after Jose gives inconsistent stories about his last contact with Christine—first claiming he saw her Monday morning, later saying it was Friday.
• He also pretends not to know about Christine's new car, even though he helped her pick it out.
  (11:43–12:51)

Discovery of the Crime Scene

• At 8:45 PM, police forcibly enter Christine’s apartment and find her body in the bathroom, beaten to death.
• Signs of cleanup, bloodstains throughout the home, bone fragments in plumbing, evidence of attempted cover-up, but the house mostly unsuspicious aside from some overflowing bins.
• Front door was locked—suggesting the perpetrator had a key.
• Vanessa is missing.
  (13:00–17:00)

Notable Quote

“...within seconds, one of the officers shouted for the other. Because there in the bathroom was 43-year-old Christine Holloway’s naked body, so badly beaten that they knew they couldn’t save her.” – Kendall Rae (14:29)

3. Investigation & Suspects

Focus on Jose Morales

• Jose’s alibi falls apart: contradicts himself, cannot explain Veronica’s whereabouts, his story keeps changing.
• Has bruising and abrasions upon examination.
• Cell phone/tech evidence, surveillance footage, eye-witnesses all contradict his timeline.
  (18:29–31:42)

Notable Moment

• “I learned that during the 38-minute drive to the police station, this guy… not once, not a single time, did he ask about his daughter.” – Kendall Rae (19:44)
• Investigators find Jose’s call log does not have evidence of the Monday morning call he claimed.
• His friend Hector admits Jose asked for an alibi, but it was a lie. (22:15)

Key Detective Quote

“We want to find a one year old and we need you. I want to find her too… If someone came to my house and said, Vanessa’s missing, and it’s my one year old daughter, I’m worried. That’s why I keep trying to call my kids.” – Investigator to Jose (20:15)

Evidence & Search

• No blood from Vanessa found at the scene—a chilling but potentially hopeful sign.
• Missing belongings: Vanessa's polka dot blanket, Reiko car seat, gray Eddie Bauer diaper bag.
• Witness reports sighting Jose carrying something to his car, possibly Vanessa, on December 1.
  (31:42–41:40)

Notable Quote

“There was never any evidence that Vanessa got hurt… out of all that blood, none of it was hers.” – Kendall Rae (41:40)

Discovery of Physical Evidence

• Blood-stained children’s items, Christine’s mail, adult clothing (including men's size 3XL, matching Jose), and the missing matching pink croc found in a donation bin at a local church.
• Jose’s DNA found on Christine and at the scene.
• Jose’s shoes contained “tissue-like” material linked to Christine.
• 911 call from Jose’s phone, with Christine’s voice in background; he’s incoherent and doesn’t tell police. (41:53–42:10)

4. Legal Proceedings

Arrest and Charges

• Jose arrested first on weapons charges (not allowed to possess, due to felony background); evidence piles up while he’s held.
• Charged with first degree murder and tampering with evidence in February 2020; pleads not guilty.
  (42:20–44:30)

Trial Coverage

• Jose’s defense: Claims he was high on PCP, two intruders committed the murder and abducted Vanessa; says he was “incapacitated.”
• Prosecution: No evidence of PCP use; points to domestic violence and control, surveillance, physical, and tech evidence.
• Jose testifies, but inconsistencies and evidence are overwhelming. (45:00–57:00)

Key Testimony

“I got super high. I got disoriented. Everything got blurry. I couldn’t see clear. I was stumbling… I dialed 911.” – Jose Morales (49:00)

Prosecution’s Logic

“Why would you clean up a crime scene if you are not the person responsible? Riddle me that…” – Kendall Rae (53:11)

Verdict & Sentencing

• Jury convicts Jose Morales of first degree murder and evidence tampering after just two hours of deliberation.
• Sentenced to 65 years in prison (essentially life, given his age).
• Still not charged in Vanessa’s disappearance; remains only suspect.
  (57:00–59:30)

5. Family Impact & Public Response

Victim Family Statement

Christine’s aunt, Anna Radonski, delivers a heartrending testimony at sentencing about the depth of family pain and uncertainty regarding Vanessa.

Notable Quote

“We had to ask them if there is a way they could dig the hole for Christy a little bit deeper in case Vanessa had to join her.” – Anna Radonski, in court (58:56)

Community Support

• The Ansonia community and wider region mobilized: distributed flyers, hosted prayer vigils, and created a Facebook page to support the search for Vanessa.
• NCMEC released an age-progressed rendering of Vanessa’s likely appearance; rumors exist she may have been taken to Puerto Rico, but nothing confirmed.
  (59:30–61:30)

Notable Quote

“I truly do not believe that his parents are involved… I really appreciate that. And as for Christine’s loved ones, they believe Jose knows where Vanessa is, but they don’t have leverage to make him talk.” – Kendall Rae (61:00)

6. Ongoing Search for Vanessa

• $10,000 reward offered for info leading to her recovery.
• Public can submit tips anonymously or contact Ansonia Police at (203) 373-xxxx or NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.
• Investigator quote: “This is not a case that we’re going to put in a box on a shelf somewhere. This will remain active until we get that answer.” (60:30)

7. Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “This case absolutely needs more coverage… the fact that baby Vanessa is still out there… is really eerie to think about, but a very real possibility.” – Kendall Rae (02:45)
• “She would do anything for anyone… She was the first person in her family to graduate from college.” – Kendall Rae (03:36)
• “I want to find her too… That’s why I keep trying to call my kids.” – Investigator to Jose (20:15)
• “The way that this slob did his interviews really made everything so very obvious.” – Kendall Rae (25:35)
• “We had to ask them if there is a way they could dig the hole for Christy a little bit deeper in case Vanessa had to join her.” – Anna Radonski (58:56)
• “No evidence that Vanessa was hurt. I think there is a pretty good chance that she’s still out there.” – Kendall Rae (59:29)
• “This is not a case that we’re going to put in a box on a shelf somewhere. This will remain active until we get that answer.” – Lt., Ansonia PD (60:30)

8. Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Kendall closes with a renewed call for public support:

• Follow the Find Vanessa Holloway page on Facebook.
• Contact authorities with any tips—reminders that even years later, vanished children have been found.
• She and her Higher Hope Foundation are reaching out to the family to provide support.
• “If you know anything, even if it seems small, please come forward. Christine and Vanessa—and their family—deserve answers.” – Kendall Rae (62:15)

[Tip Contact]

• Ansonia Police Department: (203) 373-xxxx
• NCMEC: 1-800-843-5678
• Find Vanessa Holloway Facebook Page

This episode exemplified Kendall Rae’s empathetic, thorough approach: centering the victims, respecting their families, and urging the true-crime community to contribute positively to ongoing searches for justice.