A manhunt was underway in Massachusetts on Thursday after a mother and her young daughter were fatally shot inside their car earlier this week.
Authorities have already arrested one suspect, 28-year-old Karel Mangual, in connection with the killings of Chasity Nunez and 11-year-old Zella Nunez, police confirmed. He’s facing charges including armed assault to murder and carrying a firearm without a license, WCVB reported. Law enforcement on Thursday were still searching for his suspected accomplice, 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, who should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
Police said surveillance video obtained amid their investigation shows the duo approaching an SUV on Tuesday and opening fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities found both Nunez and Zella inside the vehicle, stopped near Lisbon Street at Englewood Avenue, around 3 p.m. The victims were rushed to a nearby hospitals, where they were both pronounced dead.
Loved ones remembered Nunez, who was in the military, as a loving and dedicated mother of two, NBC Boston reported. They noted her daughter Zella was born premature and was confirmed legally blind at the time.
“Still, she was happy, healthy, funny and just so loving, and made it through all of that,” said Tyrae Sims, Zella’s cousin and godfather. “To be taken like this, it’s just not right.”
What exactly triggered the gunfire remained unclear Thursday morning and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Belnavis is described as being about 5’11 and 160 pounds. He’s facing charges including armed assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm without a license.
Anyone with information in the case has been asked to contact the Worcester Police Department.
