Suspect accused of killing mother and baby in Hartford found in Puerto Rico
Nov 23, 2024
HARTFORD, CONN. (WTNH) — The suspect who allegedly killed a Massachusetts mother and her baby during a drive-by shooting in Hartford was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force in Puerto Rico on Saturday morning, said the Hartford Police Department.
Lance “Macho” Morales, 23, of Waterbury, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm, assault in the first degree, criminal attempt to commit assault in the first degree, two counts of murder, and murder with special circumstances.
On Nov. 19 at 2:47 p.m., Hartford police responded to Hartford Hospital after a vehicle arrived with three gunshot victims. Twenty-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her son, four-month-old Messiah Diaz, were later pronounced deceased. A third victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The police investigation determined that the shooting happened earlier in the area of 380 New Britain Avenue. The three victims were shot after Morales pulled alongside the car and opened fire.
A probable cause was developed and an arrest warrant was approved to charge Morales for the shooting.
Morales is being held on a $3 million bond and is awaiting extradition back to the U.S.