Hartford, CT — In a tragic incident that unfolded this Tuesday in Hartford, a young mother and her four-month-old son were fatally shot, sparking a manhunt for the alleged assailant. Authorities recently located an Infiniti Q70 believed to be driven by the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Lance Morales of Waterbury. The vehicle was found unoccupied late Wednesday, prompting police to cancel the alert issued for the car while their search for Morales continues.
Lance Morales, nicknamed “Macho,” remains at large and is charged with two counts of murder among other offenses, following the death of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado of Springfield, Massachusetts, and her infant son, Messiah Diaz. The Hartford Police Department stressed that Morales is considered “armed and dangerous,” urging the public not to approach him and instead dial 911 if he is spotted.
According to Lt. Aaron Boisvert, the shooting occurred in a parked vehicle outside 380 New Britain Ave. around 2:47 p.m., after what is believed to be a personal dispute related to a vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest Morales, driving his own vehicle, drew alongside the victim’s car and opened fire.
The driver of Mercado’s vehicle, which also carried a fourth person—a man in his 20s who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound—rushed to Hartford Hospital immediately following the attack. Unfortunately, Mercado and her son were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Hartford Police Chief Kenny A. Howell detailed efforts to arrest Morales during an afternoon briefing held at the Hartford Public Safety Complex. Morales is reportedly known to have access to multiple vehicles, complicating the police’s efforts to locate him. Alongside the murder charges, Morales faces allegations of criminal possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, and attempted first-degree assault.
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant Wednesday, Morales will face a $3 million bond upon apprehension. The news of this violent act has shaken the community, prompting a broader discussion about the prevalence of gun violence and its devastating impact on families.
As the investigation continues, Hartford police are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in locating Morales or providing further insights into the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Hartford Police Department Tip Line.
In the wake of this tragedy, local leaders and community members are calling for intensified efforts to combat gun violence, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing this pervasive issue. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues their pursuit of Morales, determined to bring closure to the affected families and justice to the community rocked by this harrowing incident.