Police are looking for suspect in Connecticut who killed mother and son

HARTFORD, Conn. (TNND) — Police are searching for an “armed and dangerous” man who is wanted in connection with a shooting in Hartford, Conn., on Tuesday that killed a mother and her 4-month-old son.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Lance “Macho” Morales, 23, according to reports Hartford Police Department. Police added that he was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, criminal attempt to commit assault, two counts of murder and murder under special circumstances. His bond is set at $3 million.

On Thursday, police confirmed that Morales’ white Infiniti Q70 had been found by investigators.

“A mother lost her life yesterday, along with her 4-month-old baby,” Acting Police Chief Kenny Howell said during a news conference. “I’ve been in law enforcement for a long time and there are some events, some cases, some incidents that follow you throughout your life. I can tell you now that this will be one of those incidents.

Officers said they responded to Hartford Hospital Tuesday afternoon when victims with multiple gunshot wounds arrived in a vehicle in the emergency area.

Jessiah Mercado, 20, and her son, Messiah Diaz, were pronounced dead at the hospital, while a third victim, a man in his 20s, suffered from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in danger, according to a report. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

Police said the victims were shot in a vehicle when a suspicious vehicle pulled up next to them and opened fire in the area of ​​New Britain Avenue.

Lt. Aaron Boisvert said during the news conference that the incident stemmed from a “personal dispute over a vehicle” and described Morales and Mercado as “acquaintances.”

The investigation remains ongoing and officials are asking anyone with information to contact Hartford police.