Juilliard-trained pianist convicted of SC mom’s murder. Here is his sentence

A Juilliard-trained pianist was convicted of murder Thursday in the death of a Greer mother in 2021.

He was sentenced to life in prison.

Zachary Hughes admitted on the stand Wednesday that he did in fact stab Christina Parcell to death, but said there was no malice, which is required for a first degree murder charge.

He testified he killed her to prevent her and her boyfriend from abusing the child. He said he had reported the abuse to authorities but felt he needed to act because he was taking a job on a cruise ship and would not be back in the United States for some time.

Hughes looked without expression around the courtroom as the verdict was read after 3 hours of deliberations.

Hughes was friends with the father of Parcell’s child, John Mello, who was arrested Wednesday after Hughes’ testimony. Mello was charged with accessory before the fact to a felony and solicitation to commit a felony and was denied bond.

Parcell, a 41-year-old vet tech, was found dead on Oct. 13, 2021, in her home in the Canebrake neighborhood.

Hughes testified he rode a bicycle to Parcell’s house on that day with a box of roses he used as a ruse, saying they were for her sister.

Once he determined she was alone, he pulled out a gun and forced Parcell inside.

“I just kept striking her and striking her until finally, we fell on the floor, and at this point, I had just tried to take my mind out of it and just try to get through this and finish it as quickly as possible,” Hughes said.

Solicitor Walt Wilkins called Hughes a confessed killer with a “heart as cold as ice.” The prosecution said Hughes killed Parcell to help Mello obtain custody of his daughter.

The jury also found Hughes guilty of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, burglary 1st degree, harassment 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit harassment 2nd degree.

The harassment charge stems from accusations he conspired with Mello to send nude photos of Parcell to others.

Tina Parcell, Christina’s older sister, told the court before sentencing that Hughes showed no remorse and was a danger should he ever get out of prison.

Hughes’ father pleaded with the judge to see his son as a man of honor who worked hard, describing him as the only student to show up at Juiliard with callouses on his fingers.