Manhunt underway for second suspect in Worcester double murder case

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
07/03/2024 20h14

In the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, a devastating double murder has shocked the community. A mother and her 11-year-old daughter were found shot inside a bullet-riddled SUV on Tuesday afternoon in the Columbus Park neighborhood.

The victims have been identified as Chasity Nuñez and her daughter, Zella. Worcester authorities have not publicly speculated on a motive for the daylight killings.

Police have made one arrest in connection with the murders. Karel Mangual, a 28-year-old resident of Worcester, was apprehended and is scheduled to be arraigned on charges of armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license.

However, an active manhunt is currently underway for the alleged gunman believed to have taken part in the deadly shooting. The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, who is considered armed and dangerous. Worcester Police Department has released a photo of Belnavis and has urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.

Authorities have shared that Belnavis is wanted on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license. He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds.

According to court documents obtained by Boston 25 News, security footage shows the victims' vehicle parked on the side of the road when two individuals approach the car and begin firing multiple shots. The suspects then flee the scene towards a parked white car.

Further investigation has revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle allowed Belnavis to use it for about a year. The connected car system led investigators to locate the vehicle in Hartford, Connecticut.

Another piece of evidence points to Belnavis's phone being in the area of Englewood Avenue at the time of the shooting, as indicated by cellphone tower data.

It is unknown at this time whether the shooting was a random act or if the victims were specifically targeted.

The Worcester Police Department has issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness and rarity of such violence in the city. Sgt. Sean Murtha, Public Information Officer for the department, described the incident as a "very violent act" and stated that a substantial number of gunshots were fired into the SUV.

The tragic loss of Zella, a student at Worcester Public Schools, has deeply affected the community. School officials have made counselors available to students impacted by this tragedy, and families have been notified of the incident.

Superintendent Rachel Monárrez of Worcester Public Schools expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and community affected by this unimaginable grief.

The investigation into this horrific double murder is still ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the Worcester Police Department at 508-799-8651. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the department's website or by texting 274637 with the phrase "TIPWPD" as the message.

As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for more updates as information becomes available.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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