NEW HAVEN, CT— Prosecutors introduced three witnesses Thursday in the fourth day of testimony in the trial of Jose Morales, who is charged with murder and tampering with evidence in the 2019 death of Christine Holloway.
Morales is also the sole suspect in the disappearance of Vanessa Morales, the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, who remains missing.
Testimony began with Michael Morganti, a forensic science examiner with the Connecticut Division of Scientific Services.
Morganti gave a brief explanation of DNA extraction and stated he obtained a single female DNA profile from two samples.
Kristen Madel, also a forensic science examiner with 21 years of experience, took the stand next.
She presented DNA findings to the jury, noting both Holloway’s and Morales’ DNA on a black contractor bag located in the trunk of Morales’ gold Mazda Protégé.
She also testified to their DNA being found on a black Nike sneaker. Multiple items carried Holloway’s DNA, including a pink Croc shoe, diaper pail, and several children’s books.
Defense Attorney Howard Stein highlighted that Morales’ DNA was not found on most items where Holloway’s DNA was present.
FBI Agent David Carney, with the Cellular Analysis Survey Team, testified last. He analyzed cellphone records from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, 2019.
On Dec. 2, both Morales’ and Holloway’s phones were traced moving toward Orange around 4:25 a.m., then to downtown New Haven.
Morales’ phone was later located at 6 ½ Myrtle Ave in Ansonia between 6:30 and 9 a.m.
Holloway’s phone was last traced north of Ansonia in the Naugatuck State Forest between 12 and 3 p.m.
Carney noted that the phone data shows general proximity to locations, not precise indoor placement.
