Suspect Sought in Hartford Drive-By Shooting

A manhunt is underway for 23-year-old Lance Morales, wanted for the drive-by shooting that killed 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, in Hartford, Connecticut. The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, was reportedly related to a personal dispute over a vehicle. Morales, who has a criminal record and is considered armed and dangerous, was last seen in a white Infiniti Q70, which has since been found unoccupied. Police are coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies to locate him, and Hartford Police Chief Kenny Howell has urged Morales to surrender, promising that he will be apprehended. Mercado was part of a violence intervention program aimed at helping young mothers, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident. Investigators believe Morales and the victims were acquaintances and that the shooting was premeditated.