A Connecticut man, Lance Morales, 23, is facing multiple charges in connection with the deaths of a 20-year-old mother, Jessiah Mercado, and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz. The tragic incident occurred on November 19 in Hartford, Connecticut, when Morales allegedly carried out a drive-by shooting targeting the victims.
According to an arrest warrant, the motive behind the shooting was related to money owed by Mercado to Morales. It was reported that Mercado owed Morales $400 for using his Mazda SUV, which he was renting out to her for $100 a day. When Mercado fell behind on the payments, tensions escalated.
Prior to the fatal shooting, there was an exchange between Morales and Mercado, during which Mercado informed Morales that her infant son was inside the vehicle. Despite this revelation, Morales proceeded to open fire on the car, displaying a callous disregard for the lives of the occupants.
Tragically, both Mercado and her infant son lost their lives in the attack, while two other individuals in the car narrowly escaped harm, with one sustaining injuries. The firearm used by Morales was believed to be fully automatic, adding to the severity of the crime.
Following the shooting, a four-day manhunt ensued for Morales, who was eventually apprehended in Puerto Rico on November 23. He was subsequently extradited back to Connecticut and appeared in court on Monday, where he was charged with two counts of murder, assault, and other offenses.
If convicted, Morales faces the possibility of life in prison without the chance of parole. During the court hearing, he was ordered to be held on a $5 million bail as the legal proceedings continue.
