Professional pianist charged after South Carolina veterinary technician found stabbed to death

GREENVILLE, S.C. (TCD) -- A 29-year-old classically trained pianist was taken into custody about three weeks after a veterinary technician was found stabbed to death in her home.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said Oct. 13 an adult female was found dead in her home on Canebrake Driver with "visible signs of trauma." The victim was later identified as 41-year-old Christina Larain Parcell of Greer, S.C., according to WSPA-TV.

On Nov. 4, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis announced in a press conference that Zachary Hughes turned himself in and he was charged with first-degree murder. Lewis said investigators "don’t know why" Hughes allegedly stabbed Parcell. Hughes reportedly does not have a criminal background.

During his press conference, Lewis said Hughes allegedly "was very specific in going to that home" to kill Parcell and that she was "murdered in a very violent way."

According to WYFF-TV, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, "Investigators are still working to investigate the relationship between Hughes and the victim and the motive behind the brutally violent murder that left Parcell stabbed multiple times."

Lt. Ryan Flood with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office told WSPA-TV, "While it was very gruesome, we do believe it to be isolated. We’re just seeking information right now."

The Greenville News reports the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said Parcell died from "multiple sharp force injuries."

Lewis said surveillance footage allegedly helped link Hughes to the scene.

Parcell reportedly had a young daughter and had been working at Foothills Veterinary Hospital for about three years, according to WSPA.

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