San Diego, California – A 27-year-old man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Worcester, Massachusetts, was apprehended in California. Dejan Belnavis was arrested in San Diego on Monday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police. The shooting victims were identified as Chasity Nuñez and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella, who were tragically killed in the city’s Columbus Park neighborhood on Tuesday. The arrest followed an increase in the reward for information leading to Belnavis’ capture, from $5,000 to $10,000.
“We’ve been tracking him for a week,” stated Paul Saucier, Worcester’s interim police chief. Utilizing law enforcement technology with the assistance of U.S. Marshals, authorities were able to pinpoint Belnavis’ location near the San Diego Zoo. Cellphone records and surveillance video implicated Belnavis in the shooting, as well as linking a vehicle used after the incident to a relative residing in Hartford, Connecticut. Once extradited back to Massachusetts, Belnavis will face murder charges.
Another individual, 28-year-old Karel Mangual, previously faced charges related to the shooting and will also see an upgrade to murder charges in Worcester court. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. last Tuesday on Lisbon St., near Englewood Avenue, where the victims were discovered in a vehicle with severe injuries. Chasity Nuñez, a former member of the Connecticut Army National Guard, was well-regarded by her peers for her dedication and service.
Chasity and Zella Nuñez were residents of Worcester, with Zella attending Worcester Public Schools. City officials condemned the act of violence, emphasizing the need for unity and support within the community during this time of mourning. Family members remembered Chasity Nuñez as a loving mother and expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss. The neighborhood, typically quiet and family-oriented, was shaken by the violent incident, prompting reflection and concern among residents.
The tragic events in Worcester have left a sense of sorrow and shock, as the community comes to terms with the loss of two cherished individuals. The swift apprehension of the suspect brings a measure of closure, yet serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings progress, the memory of Chasity and Zella Nuñez remains a poignant reminder of the need for safety and harmony within society.