A 23-year-old man from Waterbury, Connecticut, known as 'Macho', is being pursued by law enforcement agencies after a tragic drive-by shooting in Hartford. Lance Morales is wanted for two counts of murder, assault, and other charges following the attack that claimed the lives of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz.
Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell made a public plea for Morales to surrender, warning that all resources would be used to apprehend him if he did not turn himself in. Despite the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, Morales remains at large as of midday Thursday.
Investigators believe Morales had a connection to Mercado, and the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a vehicle. The incident has deeply affected the community, with Howell expressing sorrow over the tragic event.
Hartford Police are actively working to capture Morales, with a $3 million bond awaiting him upon arrest. The shooting took place on New Britain Avenue, resulting in the deaths of Mercado and her infant son, while a third victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect vehicle was found abandoned, indicating Morales fled the scene. The police are urging anyone with information on Morales' whereabouts to come forward to assist in his apprehension.
