Connecticut man allegedly killed a mother, her baby over $400 she owed him

A tragic incident unfolded in Hartford, Connecticut, when Lance “Macho” Morales, 23, allegedly took the lives of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, in a drive-by shooting on November 19. The motive behind this heinous act was revealed to be money that Mercado owed Morales.

According to reports, Morales is said to have opened fire on the car carrying Mercado and her infant son because she owed him $400 for using his Mazda SUV. Mercado had been renting the vehicle from Morales at a rate of $100 per day, but she had fallen behind on payments, leading to a confrontation that tragically ended in the loss of two innocent lives.

Prior to the shooting, witnesses recounted an exchange between Morales and Mercado, during which she informed him that her baby was inside the SUV. Shockingly, Morales allegedly disregarded this information, displaying a callous disregard for human life.

Although two other individuals were present in the car during the attack, only one sustained injuries. The firearm used by Morales was reported to be fully automatic, adding to the gravity of the situation.

Following the incident, a massive manhunt spanning four days ensued, culminating in Morales’s apprehension in Puerto Rico on November 23. He was subsequently extradited back to Connecticut to face charges related to the murders.

Morales now faces a litany of charges, including two counts of murder, assault, and other offenses. If convicted, he could potentially be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During his initial court appearance, he was ordered to be held on a $5 million bail.

The community continues to mourn the loss of Jessiah Mercado and her infant son, Messiah Diaz, as they seek justice for the senseless act that claimed their lives. The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to bring closure to the grieving loved ones left behind.

As the legal proceedings progress, the memory of the victims will remain in the hearts of those affected by this devastating crime. Our thoughts are with the Mercado and Diaz families during this difficult time.

(This article is based on the original content from Fox News and has been rewritten to provide a unique perspective while maintaining the key details and information.)