According to the local police, the young family was targeted when another vehicle pulled up next to their car and began shooting around 3 p.m. The mother and her baby were touched by multiple bullets and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A man who was with the victims at the time of the attack was also injured but he survived. His condition has not yet been revealed, but he is reportedly receiving medical treatment at a hospital.

An arrest warrant has been issued. Authorities found the suspect, Lance Morales, 23 years old from Waterbury, who is believed to be linked to this tragic incident. Police indicate that the suspect fled the scene after the attack and was likely driving a white Infiniti Q70, registered in Massachusetts. Police believe the license plate may be used incorrectly. Investigators think that the shooting was not an act of random violence, although the exact motive for the attack remains unclear.

“The motive, what we believe at this point, is a dispute over a vehicle that began partly in Hartford, partly in Waterbury,” Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said.

According to authorities, the incident may be linked to a personal disagreement between the suspect and the victims, Jessiah Mercado and her baby. Investigators believe that this violence could come from a dispute between the two.