A mother and her small daughter were killed in a horrible shooting outside their Worcester, Massachusetts, home. Chasity Nunez, 27, was riding in her truck with her 11-year-old legally blind daughter Zella when gunfire erupted, killing both of them.
According to WCVB, surveillance footage captured the terrifying scene in which two offenders approached the vehicle, fired shots, and then fled. Witnesses described the fire as sounding like a machine gun and sending shockwaves throughout the region.
Michael Mahoney, a neighbor, recalled the disturbing moment and expressed concern that such savagery could occur in their community. “It’s scary that you have to worry about getting shot in your own neighborhood, you know?” Mahoney stated this to NBC News.
Tragically, Chasity and Zella perished as a result of their injuries, leaving a vacuum in their loved ones’ hearts. Authorities apprehended the alleged perpetrator, 28-year-old Karel Mangual, hours after the shooting after tracking his phone to the crime scene and identifying his vehicle in surveillance footage.
Authorities are still seeking Mangual’s accused accomplice, 27-year-old Dejan Belnavis, who is believed to have taken part in the horrific crime. Mangual is now facing two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal possession of a weapon.
Chasity, a National Guard veteran who recently earned her second master’s degree, died, leaving her family and community distraught. Her surviving 2-year-old daughter is now in the care of her father as family members mourn the unexpected deaths of Chasity and Zella.
Tyrae Sims, Chasity’s cousin, expressed deep sorrow at the incident and demanded accountability from those involved. “I just hope they know the gravity of what they just did,” Sims told NBC News. “They took two beautiful souls senselessly.”
