The trial of Zachary Hughes resumes Tuesday after the state rested their case Friday. Concert pianist, Zachery Hughes, is accused of stabbing Christina Parcell to death in her Greer home on Canebrake Drive in 2021.
More than 30 witnesses were called last week.
On Friday, the defense began its cross examination which included lead investigator in the case, Greenville County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Jared Sparkman and Medical Examiner Dr. Claire Rose, who performed Parcell's autopsy.
During cross, The defense argued the state did not satisfy the chain of custody of evidence and objected to all pieces of DNA being included.
Hughes' DNA was found on the bicycle the accused was seen riding away from Parcell's home that fateful day, and also under her right fingernails.
Defense Attorney's motioned for a mistrial Friday, based on chain of custody requirements not being met surrounding DNA evidence. That motion was denied by a judge but noted on record.
It is still unclear whether John Mello, Parcell's former boyfriend and father of her daughter, will testify. The two were in a custody battle in 2021. The prosecution believes Mello had his friend, Zachary Hughes, kill Parcell to end the ongoing dispute.
