WORCESTER, MA – A suspect deemed “armed and dangerous” is currently being pursued by authorities in Massachusetts in relation to a double homicide involving a mother and her 11-year-old daughter, which took place in broad daylight.
The Worcester Police Department is actively searching for Dejan Belnavis, 27, who is believed to be connected to the fatal shooting of Chastity Nunez and her young daughter, Zella, which occurred on Tuesday. The police have issued a warning, describing Belnavis as a potential threat.
The police were alerted to the incident on Tuesday afternoon, around 3 p.m., following reports of gunfire near Lisbon St and Englewood Ave. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a parked car with two female victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims, later identified as Nunez and her daughter, were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to court documents, surveillance footage captured the victims in their car when two individuals approached and began firing. The video also revealed a vehicle, matching a witness’s description, circling the vicinity prior to the shooting and departing shortly after. This vehicle was later located in Hartford, Connecticut.
On Thursday, police announced the arrest of a second suspect related to the case, 28-year-old Karel Mangual. Mangual, who was charged with armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license, was also wanted on a preexisting arrest warrant. He is set to appear in court for his arraignment.
Belnavis, who is wanted on similar charges, is described as a 5’11” male, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The authorities have yet to disclose a possible motive for the murders or any potential relationship between the suspects and the victims.
In a joint statement, the city’s mayor, city manager, police chief, and school district superintendent expressed their grief over the tragic loss of two of Worcester’s residents. They called for patience and privacy for the victims’ family and friends, as well as the Worcester Public Schools community, which is mourning the loss of a student.