Crime
23-year-old Lance Morales wanted for the murder of Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz
Police warned that he might also have access to other vehicles.
Hartford police are urgently searching for a man considered armed and extremely dangerous following a devastating shooting Tuesday afternoon that claimed the lives of a 20-year-old Massachusetts woman and her infant son.
The tragedy unfolded around 2:30 p.m. on New Britain Avenue, near Hillside Avenue and Zion Street.
According to investigators, a vehicle pulled up alongside the victims’ car and opened fire before speeding away.
The victims, identified as Jessiah Mercado, 20, and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, both from Springfield, Massachusetts, were rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
A third victim, a man in his 20s, sustained a gunshot wound but is expected to recover. The driver of the victims’ car was not injured.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 23-year-old Lance “Macho” Morales, whose last known address is in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Morales is believed to have fled the scene in a white Infiniti Q-70 bearing Massachusetts license plate 3NEB35.
Police warned that he might also have access to other vehicles.
Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a vehicle.
Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell issued a direct plea to Morales, saying, “Lance, you have no other option but to hand yourself in to the Hartford Police Department for the horrific crimes you have committed. You have taken the lives of an infant and his mother. We do not tolerate that in this city.”
The Hartford Police Department is urging anyone with information about Morales’ whereabouts to contact them immediately. This tragic case remains under active investigation.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.