Ansonia police identified the mother of a missing 1-year-old as Christine Marie Halloway, who they say died from blunt force trauma inside her home.

The search for her missing child, Vanessa Morales shifted Thursday to a donation facility in Hamden.

Media outlets were not allowed on the site, but the State Police Major Crimes Squad was at the sorting facility at 2135 State St. – operated by the nonprofit Community Crusade for Children, which collects clothes for kids.

Investigators and Ansonia detectives said they are following up on a tip about possible evidence connected to the Amber Alert issued for Morales. Police said evidence is still being recovered in Hamden but would not release any specific details. 

During a news conference Thursday evening, the child’s aunt pleaded for Vanessa’s return.

“We desperately need anyone that might be with baby Vanessa to keep her safe, unharmed and get her back to us quickly,” she said.

Ansonia police are also conducting a simultaneous homicide investigation into who killed Holloway. A welfare check at their home on Myrtle Avenue Monday led police to find the woman dead and Morales nowhere to be found.

Police said they do have leads in the case into the mother’s death but are not releasing any information about a potential suspect.

Ansonia Chief Andrew Cota said Morales' father has “provided us some information.”

“We continue to try to talk to him and see if he can provide any more,” he said. 

They also said that the father is in custody in New Haven, but say his arrest is not related to this case. Details surrounding the arrest were not immediately available.

The around-the-clock search for Morales is getting help from FBI investigators. A command post has been set up at the Ansonia Armory.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.