“You’ve Taken the Lives of an Infant and His Mother”: Man Arrested in Puerto Rico for Killing Young Mom and Baby

A man wanted for the brutal murders of a young Massachusetts mother and her 4-month-old son has been apprehended in Puerto Rico. Lance Benuet Morales, 23, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and local police for the killing of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her son, Messiah Diaz, during a shooting in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 19.

According to a statement by the U.S. Marshals, “Lance Benuet Morales, 23, is alleged to have 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 with special circumstances.

Investigators determined Morales had fled to Puerto Rico following the attack. The U.S. 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 local Fox affiliate WFXT.

Acting U.S. Marshal for Connecticut Lawrence Bobnick praised the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies. “Since the commission of this senseless and heinous act of violence, investigators…have tirelessly worked around the clock to bring the suspect to justice,” Bobnick said.

“This arrest demonstrates the reach these partnerships bring to the pursuit of justice.” Police revealed that Morales and Mercado had been “acquaintances” who were embroiled in a personal dispute over a vehicle. On the day of the attack, Morales reportedly followed Mercado in his car before pulling up alongside her vehicle and opening fire.

Mercado and her son were killed, and a third passenger in the car was injured. Hartford Interim Police Chief Kenny Howell had earlier urged Morales to surrender. “Lance, you have no other option but to hand yourself into the Hartford Police Department for the horrific crimes that you have done,” Howell said. “You’ve taken the lives of an infant and his mother.

We do not tolerate this in this city.” Morales’ bond has been set at $3 million as he awaits extradition. The tragedy has shaken the Hartford community, with officials vowing to ensure justice for Mercado and her son. A GoFundMe that’s been launched by Mercado’s family describes her as a “beloved daughter, mother, niece, sister and friend” whose life, along with that of her son, was “tragically cut short due to gun violence.”