Authorities arrest suspect wanted for shooting that killed Springfield mother, baby

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - The suspect wanted in connection with the killing of a mother and her baby in a drive-by shooting has been captured on Saturday.

The shooting occurred on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 380 New Britain Avenue in Hartford.

The victims, 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son Messiah Diaz, both of Springfield, MA, were killed in the attack.

The suspect, 23-year-old Lance Morales, also known as “Macho,” was arrested in Puerto Rico on Saturday by members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force.

In collaboration with the Hartford Police, after U.S. Marshals in Connecticut and Massachusetts developed information that Morales had fled to Puerto Rico, they sent a collateral lead to the USMS Puerto Rico Violent Fugitive Task Force, who found and arrested Morales today at a residence in the barrio of Fajardo.

In collaboration with Hartford Police, U.S. Marshals in Connecticut and Massachusetts developed information that Morales had fled to Puerto Rico.

Morales faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, two counts of murder, and murder with special circumstances.

Morales is being held on a $3 million bond and is awaiting extradition back to Connecticut.

Morales was transported to the Fajardo Police Department for processing and formally charged as a fugitive from justice.

He has a criminal history dating back to 2020, including a prior arrest for violating probation.