WORCESTER, MA- In a devastating incident that unfolded in Worcester's Columbus Park neighborhood, Chasity Nuñez and her 11-year-old daughter, Zella, became victims of a fatal shooting earlier this week. The Worcester Police Department, intensifying efforts in their investigation, has released details.
According to the report, investigators are utilizing surveillance video and other evidence to piece together the events leading to the tragic shooting. The primary suspect, 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, is wanted on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license.
The police report revealed that cellphone records place Belnavis in the vicinity at the time of the shooting, and surveillance footage captures the assailants approaching the victim's vehicle.
The chilling video depicts two individuals firing shots at the vehicle before fleeing towards a parked sedan, consistent with witness descriptions. A subsequent vehicle matching the witness's account was traced to Hartford, Connecticut, near a relative's residence of the wanted suspect, Belnavis.
Meanwhile, another individual, 28-year-old Karel Mangual, of Worcester, faces charges of armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the same incident. Mangual was arrested and appeared in court on Thursday.
The shooting occurred at around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the vicinity of 1 Lisbon St., near the intersection of Englewood Avenue. Responding officers discovered the victims in a vehicle parked along Englewood Avenue, both sustaining serious injuries. Despite efforts to transport them to a local hospital, Chasity and Zella Nuñez were later pronounced dead.
Chasity Nuñez, a former member of the Connecticut Army National Guard's 142nd Medical Company, served as a Patient Administration Specialist. Major Dave Pytlik, commander of the 142nd Medical Company, expressed deep condolences, highlighting Chasity's dedication and positive impact within the unit.
Pytlik described Nunez as "incredibly resilient, brilliantly intelligent, destined for success in her civilian and military careers, and more full of compassion than anyone I know."
The senseless violence has prompted statements from city officials, including City Manager Eric Batista, Mayor Joseph Petty, Interim Police Chief Paul Saucier, and Superintendent of Schools Rachel Monárrez. They jointly conveyed their condolences and emphasized the unacceptable nature of such acts of violence within the city.
In court, Mangual, known to have a history of alleged violence, appeared behind a closed door, reflecting the sensitivity of the case. The Worcester Police Gang Unit was present during the arraignment.
As Worcester grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, City Councilor Khrystian King, who knew the Nuñez family, expressed the profound impact on the community. The second daylight shooting in as many days further heightens concerns about public safety in the area.
The victims, particularly Chasity Nuñez, are remembered not only for the circumstances of their tragic end but also for their contributions to their community. Chasity's exemplary service in the Connecticut National Guard and her civilian role at MIT Health, along with Zella's academic achievements as a Worcester Public Schools student, leave a void that the community is struggling to comprehend.
In response to the tragic loss, MIT has initiated support measures, extending outreach and dialogue opportunities to those in the community who were acquainted with Chasity Nuñez. The staff at MIT Health has allocated specific time slots to collectively grieve and remember Nuñez.
Cecilia Stuopis, Chief Health Officer of MIT Health, conveyed reflections on Nuñez's commitment to her role. Stuopis emphasized Chasity's profound passion for the health and well-being of the MIT community. Colleagues who collaborated closely with her held a deep affection for Chasity, acknowledging the powerful and impactful contributions she made to patient care.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for Dejan Belnavis, stressing the urgency to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
"Chasity was beloved by her fellow soldiers in the 142nd Medical Company. Her wit, social nature and dedication to duty made her one of the best soldiers in our unit," Major Dave Pytlik, commander of Chastity’s National Guard unit said in a statement. "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. What we can, and must do now, is support one another as we grieve, process this profound loss and honor their memory."
According to the report, investigators are utilizing surveillance video and other evidence to piece together the events leading to the tragic shooting. The primary suspect, 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, is wanted on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license.
The police report revealed that cellphone records place Belnavis in the vicinity at the time of the shooting, and surveillance footage captures the assailants approaching the victim's vehicle.
The chilling video depicts two individuals firing shots at the vehicle before fleeing towards a parked sedan, consistent with witness descriptions. A subsequent vehicle matching the witness's account was traced to Hartford, Connecticut, near a relative's residence of the wanted suspect, Belnavis.
Meanwhile, another individual, 28-year-old Karel Mangual, of Worcester, faces charges of armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the same incident. Mangual was arrested and appeared in court on Thursday.
The shooting occurred at around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the vicinity of 1 Lisbon St., near the intersection of Englewood Avenue. Responding officers discovered the victims in a vehicle parked along Englewood Avenue, both sustaining serious injuries. Despite efforts to transport them to a local hospital, Chasity and Zella Nuñez were later pronounced dead.
Chasity Nuñez, a former member of the Connecticut Army National Guard's 142nd Medical Company, served as a Patient Administration Specialist. Major Dave Pytlik, commander of the 142nd Medical Company, expressed deep condolences, highlighting Chasity's dedication and positive impact within the unit.
Pytlik described Nunez as "incredibly resilient, brilliantly intelligent, destined for success in her civilian and military careers, and more full of compassion than anyone I know."
The senseless violence has prompted statements from city officials, including City Manager Eric Batista, Mayor Joseph Petty, Interim Police Chief Paul Saucier, and Superintendent of Schools Rachel Monárrez. They jointly conveyed their condolences and emphasized the unacceptable nature of such acts of violence within the city.
In court, Mangual, known to have a history of alleged violence, appeared behind a closed door, reflecting the sensitivity of the case. The Worcester Police Gang Unit was present during the arraignment.
As Worcester grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, City Councilor Khrystian King, who knew the Nuñez family, expressed the profound impact on the community. The second daylight shooting in as many days further heightens concerns about public safety in the area.
The victims, particularly Chasity Nuñez, are remembered not only for the circumstances of their tragic end but also for their contributions to their community. Chasity's exemplary service in the Connecticut National Guard and her civilian role at MIT Health, along with Zella's academic achievements as a Worcester Public Schools student, leave a void that the community is struggling to comprehend.
In response to the tragic loss, MIT has initiated support measures, extending outreach and dialogue opportunities to those in the community who were acquainted with Chasity Nuñez. The staff at MIT Health has allocated specific time slots to collectively grieve and remember Nuñez.
Cecilia Stuopis, Chief Health Officer of MIT Health, conveyed reflections on Nuñez's commitment to her role. Stuopis emphasized Chasity's profound passion for the health and well-being of the MIT community. Colleagues who collaborated closely with her held a deep affection for Chasity, acknowledging the powerful and impactful contributions she made to patient care.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for Dejan Belnavis, stressing the urgency to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
"Chasity was beloved by her fellow soldiers in the 142nd Medical Company. Her wit, social nature and dedication to duty made her one of the best soldiers in our unit," Major Dave Pytlik, commander of Chastity’s National Guard unit said in a statement. "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. What we can, and must do now, is support one another as we grieve, process this profound loss and honor their memory."
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Comments
2024-03-10T15:36-0400 | Comment by: gracey
it appears that thugs don't abide by gun laws. period.