A man wanted for the brutal murders of a young Massachusetts mother and her four-month-old son has been arrested in Puerto Rico. Lance Benuet Morales, 23, was arrested by US Marshals and local police for the murder of Jessiah Mercado, 20, and her son, Messiah Diaz, during a shooting in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 19.
According to a statement from the US Marshals, “Lance Benuet Morales, 23, allegedly shot and killed a 4-month-old baby and the child’s 20-year-old mother and injured a third person.” Morales has been charged with two counts of murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault and murder under special circumstances.
Investigators determined that Morales had fled to Puerto Rico after the attack. The United States Marshals Puerto Rico Violent Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Morales in Fajardo. He was transported to the Fajardo Police Department for processing and will be extradited to Connecticut to face charges, according to the local Fox affiliate. WFXT.
Interim US Marshal for Connecticut Lawrence Bobnick praised the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies. “Since the commission of this heinous and senseless act of violence, investigators…have worked tirelessly around the clock to bring the suspect to justice,” Bobnick said.
“This arrest demonstrates the reach these associations bring to the pursuit of justice.” Police revealed that Morales and Mercado were “acquaintances” who became involved in a personal dispute over a vehicle. On the day of the attack, Morales reportedly followed Mercado in his car before pulling up next to his vehicle and opening fire.
Mercado and his son were killed and a third passenger in the car was injured. Acting Hartford Police Chief Kenny Howell had previously urged Morales to surrender. “Lance, you have no choice but to turn yourself in to the Hartford Police Department for the horrible crimes you have committed,” Howell said. “They have taken the life of a baby and his mother.
“We don’t tolerate this in this city.” Morales’ bail has been set at $3 million while he awaits extradition. The tragedy has shaken the Hartford community, and officials vowed to ensure justice for Mercado and his son. TO GoFundMe that has been released by Mercado’s family describes her as a “dear daughter, mother, niece, sister and friend” whose life, along with that of her son, was “tragically cut short due to gun violence.”