Pianist Arrested After Vet Tech is Found “Brutally Stabbed” in Her Home

Christina Larain Parcell, 41, was found dead in her home in Greer, South Carolina last month. The authorities are still investigating but they have found their main suspect. Zachary David Hughes, 29, was arrested after police found evidence connecting him to the crime.

The entire community is still reeling from the violence with so many details still unknown.

Saying Goodbye

Parcell worked as a veterinarian technician at Foothills Veterinary Hospital in Greenville for three years before she passed away. The company posted a tribute to her on Facebook following her death. “We will all miss her more than words can express. She was not just our co-worker but our dear friend as well,” the post reads.

Several members of the community commented to share their memories of Parcell. She’s being remembered as an “animal lover” and a dedicated member of the Foothills team.

“She had such a positive spirit. I am at shock that someone would hurt such a beautiful soul. Praying for her family and her sweet baby girl!” one user wrote.

“Prayers for everyone,” another person wrote. “Christina spoiled every animal with love and care. She will be greatly missed.”

“I’m so saddened for the loss of Christina. She was so kind and so great with my dog. I am sending prayers to all of you and her family,” wrote another user.

The company also set up a memorial fund for her family. All the proceeds will go towards funeral expenses and childcare.

Parcell is survived by her young daughter.

A Brutal Crime Scene

On Thursday, the police gave the public an update on the investigation during a local press conference.

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said the police were dispatched to 122 Canebrake Drive in Greer, SC on Oct 13 after a woman was found dead inside her home. He added that she was found by someone that was familiar with her.

The authorities identified the victim as Parcell. “The victim had been brutally stabbed multiple times,” Lewis said. “She was certainly murdered in a very violent way.”

During the investigation, the police “discovered physical evidence that linked Hughes to the crime,” said Lewis, “and ultimately led investigators to believe him to be the person responsible” for Parcell’s death. However, he added that Hughes was a person of interest before they discovered the evidence.

On Wednesday, Hughes turned himself in to the Greenville County Sheriff’s office, three weeks after Parcell was found stabbed to death in her home.

Lewis said they are still looking for a possible motive.

“Whether at all they knew each other at all, is still unclear,” Lewis continued. “The information regarding Hughes is also limited, other than learning he is a local pianist … living here in Greenville. He doesn’t have a criminal history with our agency. We’re still working to learn more about him and why investigators believe he would commit a crime like this.”

According to Hughes’ website, he graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City, one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the country. He has performed “throughout the United States, Canada, U.K., France, Germany, and Japan.”

The website adds that when the COVID-19 pandemic started, Hughes began performing outdoor concerts throughout the Greenville area.

The killing was “definitely targeted,” Lewis added. “It was more than obvious that he intended to kill her and he went over there to kill her.”

Parcell’s fiancé Bradly Post, 65, was arrested on child pornography charges one week after her death, but it’s not clear if the two cases are connected.

Hughes is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Lewis said he may face additional charges down the line. It’s also not clear whether anyone else was involved with the crime.

Hughes’ attorney could not be reached for comment.