UPDATE 2/20/25:
After nearly two weeks of trial, Zachary Hughes has been found guilty of the 2021 murder of Christina Parcell. The jury returned the verdict on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
On Wednesday the concert pianist admitted to killing Parcell in her Canebrake Drive home in Greer on October 13, 2021. Hughes admitted he stabbed Parcell to death.
The jury deliberated for 3 hours Thursday, finding Hughes guilty of murder, possession of a weapon, burglary 1st degree, harassment 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit harassment 2nd degree. He was NOT found guilty on first degree charges of harassment and conspiracy.
Additionally, a judge charged Hughes with contempt of court Wednesday for outbursts while on the stand, sentencing him to 6 months.
Former boyfriend and father of Parcell's daughter, John Mellow, was arrested Wednesday in connection to Parcell's death. He was denied bond. Mello faces Accessory Before the Fact to a Felony and Solicitation to Commit a Felony charges.
Previously reported: While the Canebrake killing case continues, murder suspect Zachary Hughes has caught an additional charge. Hughes took the stand to testify in his murder trial Wednesday after his attorneys admitted that he killed Christina Parcell at her home in 2021.
Earlier this week, the judge prohibited any evidence of sexual abuse allegations against Parcell and her boyfriend Bradley Post. His defense is predicated on Hughes acting to save Parcell and John Mello's daughter from sexual abuse.
Hughes was told not to talk about those allegations, but he insisted. Hughes was charged with contempt of court for his outbursts and has been sentenced to 6 months on that charge.
However, that sentence will likely be a moot point pending the outcome of the murder trial.
Pianist, Zachary Hughes, sentenced to life in prison
