Chasity Nunez: National Guardswoman and daughter gunned down, one held while accomplice at large

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTES: Chasity Nunez, a 27-year-old Massachusetts National Guardswoman, and her 11-year-old blind daughter, Zella, were ruthlessly murdered in Worcester as they sat in their car.

The assailant identified as Karel Mangual, 28, was apprehended, but the search intensified for his alleged accomplice, Dejan Belnavis, 27, described as "armed and dangerous."

Worcester community stunned by daylight horror

The incident occurred in broad daylight on Lisbon Street, leaving the neighborhood in shock, on Tuesday, March 5. Chasity, a mom-of-two, was set to return to service with the Connecticut Army National Guard, where colleagues praised her as "incredibly resilient and brilliantly intelligent." 

Mangual appeared in court, facing charges of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal firearm possession. The suspect, with three open cases, was denied bail and awaits a dangerousness hearing on March 12 at Worcester County House of Correction.

Tributes pour in for Chasity Nunez

Chasity, an accomplished professional with two master's degrees, served four years with the Connecticut Army National Guard. Major Dave Pytlik, her commanding officer, expressed disbelief over the tragedy.

"Chasity was beloved by her fellow Soldiers in the 142nd Medical Company," he said in a statement. "Her wit, social nature and dedication to duty made her one of the best Soldiers in our unit. I cannot begin to make sense of why this happened and why her family, friends, co-workers and fellow Soldiers have been robbed of her and Zella."

Grieving godfather condemns the senseless crime

Zella's godfather, Tyrae Sims, mourned the loss, emphasizing the "senseless" murder. "In any inner city, anyone that has any kind of morality understands it's always been no women, no children," he said. "I just hope they know the gravity of what they just did. They took two beautiful souls senselessly," reported NBC Boston.

Two-year-old Isla, Chasity's other daughter, thankfully escaped harm. "I'm thankful to God she wasn't in the car. It's a horrible silver lining, I guess." Residents, shaken by the incident, describe the Worcester neighborhood as quiet and family-oriented. Authorities, including City Manager Eric Batista and Mayor Joseph Petty, condemned the violence.

"An act of such violence has no place in our city," they said. "The residents of Worcester deserve better, and we will stand alongside our community in sorrow and solidarity."