WORCESTER— Worcester police are on the lookout for an individual wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of a Worcester woman, Chasity Nuñez, and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella, on Tuesday in the Columbus Park neighborhood.
On Tuesday, March 5, around 3:09 p.m., Worcester officers were called to the area of Lisbon Street at Englewood Ave. for a report of gunshots. Officers found a parked vehicle with two females with gunshot wounds inside. Both had suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Mother and daughter were pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Around 9:05 p.m. on Wednesday, the Worcester Police Department issued a BOLO for 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, wanted on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license.
Described as approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds, Belnavis has black hair and brown eyes.
Police confirmed to the Worcester Guardian that one has been arrested in connection with the shooting, but that no information was released initially.
On Thursday, late morning, WPD announced that the person arrested in connection with the homicide is Karel Mangual, 28, of Sterling Street. Mangual has been charged with armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. He also had a preexisting arrest warrant and will be arraigned in court.
Authorities caution that Belnavis is considered armed and dangerous, advising the public not to approach him. Instead, individuals who spot him should contact WPD Detective Breau at 508-799-8651. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting 274637 with the words “TIPWPD” followed by the message or through an online submission.
