Investigators are actively investigating surveillance footage and other evidence of the disastrous shooting of a Worcester mom and her child earlier this week, as elaborated in a police report.
Mom and Daughter Shot Near Columbus Park
Chasity Nuñez and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella, fell victim to the shooting in the Columbus Park neighborhood on Tuesday. The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday near 1 Lisbon St., close to Englewood Avenue.
The Worcester Police Department has discovered 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis as a the main suspect, wanted on charges of armed assault with determination to murder and possession of a firearm without a license.
Cellphone records express Belnavis was in the vicinity during the shooting, and investigators acquired surveillance footage capturing the scene. The video shows two individuals approaching the vehicle, opening fire, and fleeing towards a sedan, as reported by witnesses.
The footage also matches a witness's narrative of the post-shooting vehicle. Through the car's built-in cellphone system, investigators followed it to Hartford, Connecticut, near a relative's home of Belnavis.
Described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, Belnavis is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities urge the public not to approach him but to contact WPD Detective Breau at 508-799-8651 or provide anonymous tips via text at 274637 with "TIPWPD" followed by the message.
Another suspect, Karel Mangual, a 28-year-old from Worcester, faces charges of armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the incident.
Chasity and Zella Nuñez were found in a vehicle on Englewood Avenue with severe wounds, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Chasity, a former member of the Connecticut Army National Guard, received honors for her service.
City officials and community leaders express shock and grief, emphasizing support for the Nuñez family. Worcester City Councilor Khrystian King described the incident as a "deeply dark day" for the city.
Relatives and friends remember Chasity as a dedicated mother, while Zella, born prematurely and legally blind, overcame challenges and remained cheerful. The neighborhood, known for its quiet and family-oriented nature, was rattled by the violent act.
The crime scene, marked by over three dozen evidence markers, drew attention to a gray Nissan SUV with bullet holes on the driver's side windshield, door, and window. Residents express unbelief at the uncommon violence in their community.
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Suspects in Killing Mom and Daughter
The suspects allegedly fired upon the victims in a white sedan after driving around the neighborhood. Video evidence and a witness's account led investigators to identify the suspects.
Dejan D. Belnavis, 27, is being sought on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal firearm possession. With a history of domestic violence charges, Belnavis is considered armed and dangerous.On Thursday, a man accused of badly shooting a mother and her 11-year-old daughter in a residential neighborhood on Tuesday was ordered held without bail.
A second suspect, Karel Mangual, 28, with a criminal history, pleaded not liable to charges of armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a gun without a license. His comprehensive record covers a former shooting in 2015. Mangual will remain in custody pending a March 12 hearing to assess his threat to the community.
Mangual, who was on bail for drug charges, has a history of criminal convictions, including a 2015 shooting. Prosecutors did not give a motive for the attack, and Mangual's lawyer questioned the proof associated with his client to the killings.
The victims, Chasity M. Nunez, 27, and her daughter, Zella Aria Nunez, were shot in a barrage of gunfire around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Zella, a high-achieving student in Worcester Public Schools, was well-regarded by teachers and friends. Chasity, an MIT Health system employee and a member of the Connecticut National Guard, had received military honors.
Governor Maura Healey called the incident a "frightening and senseless loss," expressing solidarity with the grieving community.
The terrible scene has left the community in shock, with city officials, school authorities, and neighbors expressing condolences and support for the Nuñez family. The investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on the violent past of the accused individuals.
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