Hartford interim police chief Kenny Howell says Tuesday’s drive-by murders of a young mother and her baby boy are making an impact on his officers—and the city.
“This also hit deep,” says Howell. “I’m sure you all can understand that. This has hit the citizens of Hartford, the mothers and fathers, and grandparents. It has hit us all.”
Howell spoke at a Wednesday afternoon press conference to announce that evidence produced during the intense investigation has led to a judge signing an arrest warrant in the case.
Police are seeking Lance “Macho” Morales, 23, of Waterbury on charges including two counts of murder. Bond is set at $3 million.
They say Morales drove up to another car on New Britain Ave.
on Tuesday afternoon and opened fire. Jessiah Mercado, 20, of Springfield, MA and her 4 month old son, Messiah Diaz, were fatally wounded.
A third man in the victims’ car, a man in his 20’s, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say there was a dispute over a vehicle between Morales and Mercado, who are described as “acquaintances,” leading up to the crime.
Morales was last seen in an Infinity Q70 sedan with Massachusetts plates, 3NE-B35. He’s considered armed and dangerous. While police are seeking the public’s help to find him, they’re warning residents not to confront him if they see him, and to call police instead.