A tranquil Massachusetts neighborhood was shattered by a horrifying crime. A mother and her 11-year-old daughter were tragically shot and killed while sitting in their SUV in broad daylight. This shocking incident has left the community devastated and law enforcement agencies in hot pursuit of the suspect who remains at large.
The victims, Chastity and Zella Nunez, were senselessly gunned down on a Monday afternoon in Worcester, Massachusetts. Their lifeless bodies were found inside the SUV, their windshield riddled with bullet holes. Chastity, a loving mother of two, and her young daughter Zella were rushed to the hospital but sadly pronounced dead upon arrival. Their loss has left a void that cannot be filled.
While one suspect has been apprehended, a man whose identity has not been released, authorities are tirelessly searching for a second individual named Dejan Belnavis, a 27-year-old man believed to be connected to this heinous double homicide. Surveillance footage captured chilling moments leading up to the shooting, showing the victims parked in their vehicle as two assailants approached and mercilessly opened fire. The audacity of this act of violence has rocked the community to its core, evoking grief and a demand for justice.
The investigation has uncovered a potential connection between the suspects and the victims. The Nunez family lived on Englewood Avenue, a mere 12-minute drive from Belnavis’ residence on Toronita Avenue. This proximity has raised speculations about the motives behind this tragic event.
Complicating matters further, witnesses reported seeing a suspicious vehicle circling the area before the shooting. This vehicle matched the description of a car later found in Hartford, Connecticut, approximately an hour away from the crime scene. These details add complexity to the ongoing investigation.
City officials, including the mayor, city manager, police chief, and school district superintendent, have expressed profound sadness over the loss of these two members of the Worcester community. They urge patience, respect for privacy, and unity during this trying time. The community has come together, showing immense support and solidarity in the face of this horrific event.
Authorities are issuing a warning about Dejan Belnavis, urging the public to exercise caution as he is considered armed and dangerous. Belnavis is facing charges of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. His previous firearm-related offenses from 2021 have heightened concerns about his potential threat to public safety.
The search for answers continues, with law enforcement appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the capture of the remaining suspect and provide insights into the motive behind this tragic act of violence. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8651.
As the community mourns the untimely loss of Chastity and Zella Nunez, their memory stands as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and ensure the safety of all residents. In the face of adversity, the resilience and unity of the Worcester community shines as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of justice and healing.
