Man wanted in murder of Massachusetts mother and daughter captured in California

A man wanted by authorities in a double murder has been captured according to a report.

According to Massachusetts State Police, twenty-seven-year-old Dejan Belnavis was captured by US Marshals in San Diego.

Belnavis was wanted for charges connected to the murder of Chasity Nunez and her daughter, eleven-year-old Zella Nunez.

A second individual has been arrested in connection with the homicide. Twenty-eight-year-old Karel Mangual is charged with Armed Assault to Murder and Carrying a Firearm without a License. He also had a preexisting arrest warrant.

A possible getaway car was found in Hartford, Connecticut shortly after the shooting.

According to police, at just after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to the area of Lisbon Street at Englewood Avenue for a report of 12-20 gunshots.

Upon arrival, officers located a parked vehicle with two female victims inside shot multiple times. Both victims suffered serious injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Chasity and Zella Nunez were both pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Chasity was being remembered by those who knew her as a beautiful soul who was ambitious and a positive person. Qualities also seen in her daughter. Chasity is also the mother to another child and is an Army veteran.

Over three dozen evidence markers could be seen at the scene including a vehicle riddled with bullet holes.

The City of Worcester released the following statement on Wednesday concerning the murders.

“Today we mourn the senseless loss of two Worcester residents, a mother and daughter whose lives were taken far too soon and far too tragically. 

“Collectively, we ask for patience and privacy on behalf of the victims’ family and friends and for the Worcester Public Schools who are grieving the loss of a student. An act of such violence has no place in our City. 

“The residents of Worcester deserve better, and we will stand alongside our community in sorrow and solidarity. Our appreciation goes out to the members of the Worcester Police Department, the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, and to all first responders who assisted. 

“Worcester is a resilient community, and we know that our residents will lovingly embrace the victims’ family and friends as we work toward healing from this traumatic event.”