Police in Worcester, Mass., are searching for a man wanted on charges related to the murder of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter.
According to a Facebook post from the Worcester Police Department, 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police identified the murdered mother and child as Chastity Nunez and her daughter, Zella. It said that they were found inside a parked vehicle while officers were searching the area of Lisbon Street and Englewood Avenue at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday.
“Both victims suffered serious injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance,” before being pronounced dead at the hospital, said police.
Chastity was a 2014 graduate of South Community High School in Worcester and was a member of the Connecticut National Guard stationed in Danbury, Conn., according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Last July began working as a patient safety and clinical quality program coordinator at MIT Health.
“Our hearts are broken because we lost Specialist Chasity Nunez to senseless violence. She and her daughter were killed while sitting in their vehicle in their own neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon. Chasity was beloved by her fellow Soldiers in the 142nd Medical Company,” said Maj. David Pytlik, public affairs officer for the Connecticut National Guard, in a statement published by the Telegram & Gazette. “Her wit, social nature and dedication to duty made her one of the best Soldiers in our unit. 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.”
The outlet also said Cecilia Stuopis, chief health officer of MIT Health, provided a statement.
“Chas was passionate about the health and wellbeing of the MIT community. She was beloved by the colleagues who worked closely with her, and her dedication to our patients was powerful and impactful. She will be deeply missed,” Stuopis said.
Zella was a Worcester Public Schools student described as “a high-achieving sixth-grade student who had many friends and was well respected by her teachers,” the spokesperson told the Telegram & Gazette. Our Bright Future, an organization that connects youth with STEM education and experiences, posted about Zella on Facebook.
“With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that one of our beloved students, Zella, along with her mother Chasity, passed away on Tuesday afternoon. Our sincere condolences to the Nunez family. Zella, you are loved, and may you both rest in peace,” it said.
Already, authorities have arrested 28-year-old Karel Mangual in connection with the murder. Mangual was charged with armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. He had a pre-existing warrant and will be arraigned in court.
“This investigation is ongoing. If you have information about this incident, please send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or send an anonymous web-based message at worcesterma.gov/police,” said the department. “Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.”