A Connecticut gunman accused of killing a mother and her 4-month-old child in a drive-by shooting was being pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies Thursday.
Lance Morales, 23, of Waterbury, also known as “Macho,” faces murder, assault and other charges after the attack that claimed the lives of Jessiah Mercado, 20, and his girlfriend on Tuesday in Hartford. He is wanted. Messiah Diaz's infant son, according to the Hartford Police Department.
Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell told reporters Wednesday: “I want to talk to Lance right now. Lance, for the horrific crime you committed, you have no choice but to turn yourself in to the Hartford Police Department.” he said.
“I want you to answer the phone and turn yourself in to this station. If you don't, I promise you that you will be arrested and I will use every means necessary to arrest you.” You, State, Federal. , and all the partners I have,” Howell added.
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Lance Morales, 23, is wanted for the murders of 20-year-old Jesiah Mercado and 4-month-old Messiah Diaz in Hartford, Connecticut. (Hartford Police Department)
However, as of noon Thursday, Morales was still at large. Police reported that the vehicle he was driving at the time of the shooting was found unoccupied earlier today. Fox 61.
A spokesperson for the Hartford Police Department told Fox News Digital that investigators believe Morales was a co-worker of Mercado's from Springfield, Massachusetts, and that the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a vehicle. spoke.
“Life is about some things, some incidents, some incidents. And I can tell you right now, this is going to be one of those incidents. For us in the city of Hartford. “This is a sad day,” Howell said. . “This was another hard blow. This hit the citizens of Hartford, our mothers and fathers, our grandparents, all of us.”
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Police responded to Hartford Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 19, in response to a shooting by Morales. (WTIC)
Hartford police said “efforts are underway to apprehend Morales with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies” and that bail is set at $3 million if he is arrested.
Officers were called to Hartford Hospital on Tuesday afternoon “in response to a report of a vehicle arriving with multiple gunshot victims,” the department said.
“A total of three victims sustained gunshot wounds. A 20-year-old woman and her 4-month-old son were pronounced dead at the hospital. The third victim, a man in his 20s, sustained serious injuries. – a threatening gunshot wound,'' police continued. “The driver of the car was not injured.
Hartford Police said, “The victims were shot and killed while they were in their vehicle when a suspicious vehicle pulled up to them and opened fire.'' (WTIC)
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“It has been determined that the incident occurred shortly before that in the area of 380 New Britain Avenue. The victims were shot and killed while they were in their vehicle when a suspicious vehicle pulled up to them and opened fire,” police said in a statement.
