A man suspected of fatally shooting a young mother and her 4-month-old baby in Hartford, Connecticut, has been caught. Lance “Macho” Morales, 23, was arrested Saturday in Puerto Rico, in the town of Fajardo. The U.S. Marshals Service tracked him down at a home there.
The tragic incident happened last Tuesday. Police say Morales pulled up next to a car and started shooting, all because of an argument over a vehicle with a woman inside. Jessiah Mercado, just 20 years old, and her baby boy lost their lives in the attack. A man who was also in the car was hurt but survived.
Morales, who is from Waterbury, Connecticut, is now facing two counts of murder and other charges. He’s being held on a $3 million bond and will be sent back to Connecticut to face justice. Right now, it’s unclear if he has a lawyer.
Detectives identified Morales using video footage from the scene and tips from the public. Hartford’s Acting Police Chief Kenny Howell even went on TV, urging Morales to turn himself in. Instead, police and federal marshals worked day and night to find him—and they did, just four days later.
Morales was released from prison earlier this year after serving three years for attempted assault, according to the police. Hartford’s Mayor Arunan Arulampalam praised the swift work of law enforcement, saying, “If you commit a terrible crime in our city, we’ll find you no matter where you go.”
To honor Mercado and her son, a vigil is planned by Mothers United Against Violence and her family. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe set up to help her family has already raised over $3,600.
This heartbreaking story reminds us how important it is to come together as a community to support victims and stand against violence.
