Hartford Police Search for Drive-By Shooting Suspect

Hartford police are searching for Lance Morales, 23, of Waterbury, who is wanted in connection with the drive-by shooting deaths of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, both from Springfield, Massachusetts. The incident occurred on New Britain Avenue, Hartford, where Morales allegedly fired into a vehicle carrying the victims. Morales, considered armed and dangerous, was last seen driving a white Infiniti Q70 with a Massachusetts plate 3NE-B35, believed to be misused. An arrest warrant includes charges of murder with a bond set at $3 million, and police have urged him to turn himself in. Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell expressed the gravity of the crime, emphasizing the tragedy of losing a mother and child in a targeted attack. The investigation is ongoing, with police seeking public assistance to locate Morales.