HARTFORD, CT – In a dramatic turn of events, Hartford police have captured the man they believe is responsible for a shocking double homicide that stunned the city. The arrest brings a glimmer of hope to a community still reeling from the violent deaths of a young mother and her infant son.
Lance Morales, 23, was tracked down and arrested in Puerto Rico by U.S. Marshals, a testament to the tenacity of law enforcement agencies working across borders. Morales is accused of gunning down 20-year-old Josiah Mercado and her four-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, in a drive-by shooting on New Britain Avenue, leaving the city in mourning.
The attack was as sudden as it was brutal. A car pulled alongside the vehicle carrying Mercado and her son, unleashing a hail of bullets. The shooting also injured a man in his 20s, who is expected to survive, but the community’s sense of security was deeply shaken.
Now facing charges as a fugitive from justice, Morales is held on a $3 million bond, awaiting extradition to Connecticut. Once there, he will answer to charges of murder and assault, bringing him one step closer to facing the consequences of his alleged actions.
Mayor Arunan Arulampalam lauded the police’s swift action, underscoring Hartford’s determination to bring criminals to justice, no matter how far they run. “Our message is clear: Hartford will not rest until justice is served,” the mayor affirmed.
As the city prepares for a community vigil on Tuesday, residents are coming together to remember Mercado and her son, seeking solace and strength in unity. The vigil is not only a time for mourning but a call to action against the violence that has plagued the community.
The arrest of Morales is a crucial step in the healing process for Hartford, offering a measure of justice for the victims’ families. Yet, the road ahead remains long as the city continues to grapple with the broader issues of crime and safety.
In the face of tragedy, Hartford’s resolve shines through, with community members and leaders alike standing firm in their pursuit of justice and peace.