CAPTURED: MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING YOUNG MOTHER AND INFANT SON ARRESTED IN PUERTO RICO

 

Lance Morales, AKA "Macho" arrested in Puerto Rico. Photo provided by, Hartford Police

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Hartford, CT— The hunt for Lance Morales 23, accused of the homicide of 20 year old Jessiah Mercado and her 4 months old son Messiah has culminated as U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force apprehended him on Saturday, in Puerto Rico, according to authorities. 

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

At a press conference Wednesday, Hartford Police Chief Kenny Howell expressed the department’s shock and sadness over the deaths of Mercado and her infant son. The pair were shot and killed late Tuesday in an attack that occurred around 2:47 p.m. near New Britain Avenue. They were transported to Hartford Hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. 

“This is a sad day for us here in the city of Hartford,” Howell said. “This case will stay with us throughout our careers.” A third individual, a man in his 20s, was injured in the attack but is expected to survive. 

The driver of the vehicle, who was uninjured, transported the victims to the hospital. Police quickly responded to the crime scene, recovering evidence, including shell casings and video footage showing Morales’s vehicle firing at the victims’ car before fleeing. 

Investigators identified Morales’s vehicle and  were actively searching for him. An arrest warrant was issued for Morales on charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault.

On November 21, Hartford police located Morales’s vehicle, a white Infiniti Q70, but authorities continued searching for the suspect. Chief Howell urged the public to remain vigilant but avoid approaching Morales, who was considered dangerous. 

“We do not tolerate this kind of violence in our city,” Howell said, adding that all available resources, including state and federal law enforcement, will be used to apprehend the suspect. 

A GoFundMe account was set up on Friday to help cover funeral expenses. The page described Jessiah as "One of the strongest young women who did not always have life so easy, but put her heart into everything she set out to do." It continued, "Messiah brought so much joy to Jessiah, and there is no doubt heaven just became even more beautiful with them both there. Jessiah is survived by many loved ones, and most importantly, her older son, who was such a big part of her world."

The account has since raised $3,400, about halfway to its $6,000 goal.

Vanessa Suárez, an advocate with the New Haven-based organization Vivan Las Autónomas, spoke about the broader implications of the case. 

In an interview with Boceto Media, Suárez emphasized that Mercado’s death and the tragic loss of her son reflect a growing epidemic of gender-based violence, particularly affecting young mothers and their children.

“This is an attack on the life of this woman, and there’s no doubt that it was premeditated,” Suárez said. “What’s concerning is that this is the third baby killed this year due to domestic violence. These deaths are not coincidental.” 

Suárez says that many young women, especially those who have recently given birth, face a higher risk of violence from their partners or close family members. Despite evidence such as video footage, Suárez said police sometimes fail to act swiftly. 

“We need to address this as a community,” Suárez said. “The more we talk about these tragedies, the greater chance we have to prevent future deaths.” 

Suárez also called for systemic change to better protect women and children. She noted that, on average, 14 women in her organization are victims of violence each year and said these incidents must not continue. 

“Our organization and others classify this kind of violence as femicide,” Suárez said. “There is a rise in femicide in this country, and it’s a crisis that needs urgent attention.” 

Executive vice president of Women and 2Gen at Roca Inc. Bhalla, told Boceto Media how excited Jessiah was when she gave birth to her son. 

"Like any young mother, she wanted to give her child a better life, to protect him, and to make sure he was safe," Bhalla said. Jessiah’s dreams were centered around the well-being of her child, and she was actively exploring educational opportunities and seeking a better life for both of them.

Bhalla, aligns with Suarez's  concerns about the rise in femicide and violence against women. 

“Femicide is on the rise,” Bhalla said. “We need to improve how these crimes are identified and responded to, especially when it comes to tracking violence against women.” 

A spokesperson for the Hartford Police Department said that the department does "not currently track crimes based on the sex of the victim. "

This has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that gender-based violence is not being properly categorized or addressed in crime data. 

As the investigation continues, Hartford authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact local law enforcement.

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