Worcester Community Honors Zella Nuñez and Her Mother with Moving Mural Unveiling
Table of Contents
A stunning mural dedicated to the memory of Zella Nuñez and her mother, Chasity, was unveiled Friday, August 15, outside Columbus Park School in Worcester, Massachusetts. The artwork serves as a poignant tribute to the pair, tragically killed in a shooting last March, and a beacon of hope for a community grappling with loss.
A Community Remembers
Seventeen months after the devastating event, the unveiling ceremony brought together friends, family, and residents to celebrate the lives of Zella, a sixth-grade student at the time of her death, and her mother. Columbus Park Principal Lisa Carignan described the mural as “thoughtfully designed by the artist to represent and inspire our community.”
The 40-foot mural, located on the back wall of the school facing the playground, depicts Zella adorned with angel wings and a golden halo, set against a backdrop of clouds and a pink sky. Her mother, Chasity, is portrayed looking on from behind, a visual representation of enduring love and remembrance.
Remembering Zella and Chasity
Family members shared heartfelt memories of Zella and Chasity, painting a picture of two vibrant individuals deeply loved by those around them. Noemi Nuñez, Chasity’s mother and Zella’s grandmother, remembered Zella as “a beautiful girl, she had a beautiful soul and she was a special child.” She emphasized Zella’s character, noting that she “respected people, she was a leader, not a follower, and she had this beautiful love and connection that brought kids towards her.”
Friends echoed these sentiments, describing Zella as a “ray of sunshine” with a passion for creativity, TikTok, and dancing. Kimberly Akuffo, a friend of Chasity’s, recalled, “We tried to learn together but I could not really learn, I was too old.” Akuffo also highlighted Zella’s intelligence and diverse talents, noting her involvement in robotics, her love of reading, and her budding skills on the guitar. “She was a very talented girl, which she got from her mom. Her mom had her feet in everything,” Akuffo added.
Artistic Vision and Community Support
The mural was created over three days by New Jersey artist Chad Fandel, who dedicated 16-hour days to the project. Fandel expressed his satisfaction with the family’s positive reaction to the painting, stating, “I wanted to make sure I captured her, and having never met her, I wanted to make sure we did that, and getting to see her family react the way they did — just wanting to bring in some kind of hope, some kind of peace to a tragedy.”
The project was sponsored by Robert Rios of Phoenix Marketing & Advertising, with donations from Cornerstone Bank and Interstate Specialty Products, demonstrating a strong outpouring of community support.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The tragic deaths of Zella and Chasity remain the subject of ongoing legal proceedings. Dejan D. Belnavis and Karel Mangual were arrested in connection with the shooting and have been charged with two counts of murder. Their court cases are currently underway.
The mural stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Worcester community, offering a space for healing and hope in the wake of unimaginable loss.
