Dejan Dante Belnavis: Authorities offer $5K reward in hunt for suspect linked to Worcester mother-daughter murder
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS: Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information that will lead to the capture of the suspect in connection with the killing of Chasity Nunez and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella Nunez, earlier this week.
Dejan Dante Belnavis, 27, is wanted for the shooting of Chasity and Zella Nunez on Tuesday, March 05, 2024.
The Worcester Police Department has issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license as per MassLive.
What did the Worcester Police Department report?
The Worcester Police Department is actively seeking 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, wanted in connection with the murder of Chasity Nunez and her eleven-year-old blind daughter, Zella Nunez.
Belnavis is considered “armed and dangerous.”
Another individual Karel Mangual has been apprehended concerning the homicide, with further details forthcoming.
Additionally, the department has provided a detailed physical description of Dejan Belnavis, noting he stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a dark complexion.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to submit anonymous tips via text to 274637, including "TIPWPD" followed by the message, or through the web at worcesterma.gov/police.
Alternatively, individuals can contact the Worcester Police Detective Bureau directly at (508) 799-8651.
Karel Mangual was apprehended in connection with mother-daughter murder
A separate suspect, 28-year-old Karel Mangual from Worcester, was previously apprehended and formally charged on Tuesday, March 05 with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
The department clarified that Mangual was already subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Police were dispatched to Lisbon Street and Englewood Avenue in Worcester following reports of gunfire shortly before 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a parked vehicle containing Chasity and Zella Nuñez, both of whom had sustained severe gunshot wounds.
The mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital, where they were tragically pronounced dead. Chasity Nunez hailed from Brooklyn, New York, and pursued her studies at Worcester State University.
Chasity, a mother of two, was preparing to resume her duties with the Connecticut Army National Guard, where coworkers lauded her as "remarkably resilient and exceptionally intelligent."
Worcester City Manager Eric D Batista, Mayor Joseph M Petty, interim Police Chief Paul Saucier, and Superintendent Dr Rachel Monárrez jointly expressed their grief over the devastating loss of two Worcester residents, stating, "Today we mourn the senseless loss of two Worcester residents, a mother and daughter whose lives were taken far too soon and far too tragically.”
The officials added, "An act of such violence has no place in our City, The residents of Worcester deserve better, and we will stand alongside our community in sorrow and solidarity."
