|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Last week, this news outlet published its first article on the ‘Rose Petal Murder,’ a shockingly graphic homicide which took place shortly after 10:00 a.m. EST at 122 Canebrake Drive in Greer, South Carolina on the morning of October 13, 2021.
The victim of this homicide was 41-year-old Christina Parcell, a technician at Foothills Veterinary Hospital in Greenville, S.C.
Parcell’s body was discovered shortly after 11:00 a.m. EST in the front living room of a suburban home owned by her sister, Lutina Parcell. She was discovered by her fiancee, Bradly Post – who has since been arrested (but not for Parcell’s murder).
As noted, the details of this crime scene were shocking – “disturbingly ritualistic,” according to our previous report. For starters, the killer allegedly sprinkled rose petals around Parcell’s body after dragging (and posing) her in the front living room of this 2,100-square foot home.
“Rose petals were sprinkled around her body,” a source familiar with the killing told this news outlet. “She was dragged – there were drag marks. The scene was staged.”
***
Others have attributed the fallen rose petals to a bouquet broken apart during a scuffle between Parcell and her murderer. Either way, the crime has been christened by Upstate law enforcement and prosecutorial sources as the ‘Rose Petal Murder.’
Officially, Parcell’s cause of death was recorded by the Greenville county coroner’s office as a homicide due to “multiple sharp force injuries.” S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins – whose office is prosecuting the case – said Parcell “was brutally stabbed to death in her neck and head area,” sustaining “approximately 31 different stab wounds by a sharp object.”
Parcell’s accused murderer is 31-year-old Zachary David Hughes – a California native and graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. A classically trained concert pianist, Hughes studied and performed piano sonatas written by famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
He has no prior arrests or convictions and surrendered voluntarily to authorities on the charges he is facing.
During an April 6, 2022 court hearing, Wilkins indicated Hughes’ DNA had been found under Parcell’s fingers.
“The victim’s fingernails were processed for DNA, and the (result) conclusively shows that Zach Hughes’ DNA was under the fingernails of the victim,” Wilkins told S.C. circuit court judge Edward W. Miller.
(Click to View)
A Ring camera from a home across the street also captured Hughes “dressed in a black hoodie and a backpack entering the front door” of Parcell’s home just before she was killed, Wilkins told S.C. circuit court judge Edward W. Miller. Hughes was later seen on another Ring camera “leaving the subdivision on a bicycle” after Parcell’s murder, Wilkins said.
On November 3, 2021 – GCSO deputies arrested Hughes and charged him with murder and use of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with Parcell’s death. He has been held at the Greenville County detention center since his arrest.
Parcell was beloved by her coworkers at the animal hospital. In fact, they shut the facility down the day of her funeral – and launched a memorial fund in her honor.
“The dogs loved her and she did such an incredible job with them,” one hospital employee wrote.
The owner of the veterinary hospital also mourned Parcell as a loving mother to her daughter – who was under the age of ten when her mother was murdered.
“She loved her daughter, was extremely close to her sister … she’s just not another nameless faceless victim,” Parcell’s employer told WSPA TV-7 (CBS – Greenville/ Spartanburg).
In the seventeen months since this slaying took place, though, several shocking revelations have changed public perceptions of the case – and of Parcell.
(Click to View)
First, Parcell’s fiancee – Bradly Post – was arrested on October 19, 2021 in connection with a child pornography investigation related to evidence obtained at the murder scene. Post is currently facing five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the first degree, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree, one count of third degree criminal sexual content with a minor and one count of buggery (more on that last charge in a moment).
All of these charges are pending – and are being prosecuted by the office of S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson.
Like Hughes, Post has remained incarcerated at the Greenville County detention center ever since his arrest.
In addition to the criminal charges, Post and Parcell (or rather her estate) were listed as defendants in two civil lawsuits – one brought on behalf of Parcell’s own daughter and the other brought on behalf of another minor female allegedly victimized by the couple. According to the first lawsuit (.pdf) – filed on behalf of a friend of Parcell’s daughter last February – “Parcell and Post took pictures/ videos of and with (the minor female) in states of undress and in sexually provocative positions.”
According to the second lawsuit (.pdf), Parcell’s own daughter was photographed and videoed “in various stages of undress and in sexually explicit and nude positions.” Some of these files (content warning) “graphically depict(ed) her genitals and breasts.”
Sources familiar with the evidence in this case say Parcell was not only aware these images and videos were being produced, but may have even appeared alongside her daughter in several of the pornographic productions.
(Click to View)
Not surprisingly, Parcell’s alleged participation in the production and dissemination of child pornography – including porn involving her own daughter – has changed some of the underlying calculus surrounding the murder prosecution of Hughes.
“As far as I’m concerned, (Hughes) did everyone a favor,” a source familiar with the case told me. “I just wish he could’ve gotten the fiancee, too.”
There is another emerging component to this saga that could further complicate the prosecutorial calculus … a component that’s even sicker and more twisted, if reports are to be believed.
As investigators scoured through evidence collected at the murder scene, a new category of victims came into focus … animals.
According to my sources, the buggery charge against Post stems from a trove of materials uncovered in the aftermath of Parcell’s murder depicting the couple – both individually and together – engaging in sexual intercourse with animals. Multiple dogs, in particular, were allegedly victimized by the couple.
“It’s some of the vilest material I’ve ever seen,” a veteran prosecutor familiar with the images and videos told me this week.
The prosecutor also strongly hinted there would be “more charges and more arrests” based on the pornographic materials uncovered at the Parcell murder scene and follow-up investigatory work undertaken by detectives of the Greenville County sheriff’s office.
(Click to View)
(Via: Facebook)
In addition to her work at the veterinary hospital, Parcell routinely brought dogs home to be “fostered,” according to Canebrake neighbors who spoke with this news outlet on condition of anonymity.
“None of them stayed that long, though,” one neighbor told us.
South Carolina is the only state in America which still classifies sexual offenses against animals under a catch-all anti-sodomy statute – the “abominable crime of buggery.” Buggery generally refers to anal intercourse between humans – or any sexual activity between a human being and an animal.
According to S.C. Code of Laws § 6-15-120, “whoever shall commit the abominable crime of buggery, whether with mankind or with beast, shall, on conviction, be guilty of felony and shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary for five years or shall pay a fine of not less than five hundred dollars, or both, at the discretion of the court.”
According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University, the vast majority of states have specific anti-bestiality statutes on their books – although New Mexico, West Virginia and the District of Columbia have no anti-bestiality laws in place. There is no federal law addressing bestiality, either, although it is outlawed under the military code of justice (10 U.S.C.A. § 925).
South Carolina clearly needs to update its criminal statutes regarding sexual crimes involving animals – a reform effort for which this case seems eminently likely to serve as a catalyst.
Hughes’ murder case is expected to be tried sometime in early 2024 in Greenville County. As of this writing, there is no timetable for Post’s prosecution – which will also take place in Greenville County. Again, Wilkins’ office is handling the murder and weapons charges against Hughes, while Wilson’s office is handling the pornography and exploitation charges against Post – and would prosecute any other individuals charged in connection with this ongoing investigation.
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to proactively address? We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.
16 comments
Will, this is a horrible story. Please follow it to the end. You and others are doing what TV news and Newspapers would not touch. I love the way you present the news in the weekly news. Move to the State House and the “Freedom Caucus Dummies,” who reside there. At age 65, they should have to retire. They would walk the plank for the old and decrepit Governor. Also, the judges in the state need to be lawyers, not just a friend or appointed by the State House.
I have to say ever since the Murdaugh trial I’ve been hooked on Fitnews! You guys do a bang up job and I can’t wait to follow more court cases. Thank you for your honest and straight forward reporting!
The sister of yhe victom LUTINA PARCELL os behind this murder and profited from the child porn. The victim was spilling the beans to her therapist, Christina told Lutina who’s boyfriend , Abe Hartnup already tried to kill 1 woman his wife, , Lutina told Brad Brad and Abe Hartnup and Post Killed Christina.
Lutina owned the house testified she had a broken back door lock as did Post. Coroner said victim also had the back of her head smashed FBI says that ot was a 2nd killer one entered front Hartnup fits yhe doorbell cam man, Post entered the rearcwhich he knew was always unlocked. Victim let the front door bell guy in because she knew him Info shows she never met the piano guy.Hartnup was who she let in.
Hartnup is a Marine trained in killing with a knife and a government trained computrt encryption e pert Lutina Post and Christina used him to transfer child porn around the world.
Lutina planned it. Family court documents show she made under 4 grand a month salary yet has 2 dozen bank accounts with $ 300,000 bucks. The day after the killing her and 2 corrupt lawyers Maggi Fields Bailey and Vanessa Kormylo were given envelopes of cash from Lutina on the orders of Post.
Same day Lutina Parcell BIley and Kormylo, the day after the murder, set Lutina up to take over Christans estate illegally Kormylo with ties to Ukranian organized crime, become the estate lawyer even though she’s the guardian of the child custody case.illegal.
There is also a corrupt cop he is the former lover of Brad Post and Christina, and protected them and now Lutina .
Follow the money MOTIVE OPPORTUNITY KNEW THE VICTIM , PROFITED FROM THE MURDER HAD ACCESS TO THE MURDER DRUG CHILD PORNOGRAPHY HOUSE = LUTINA A. PARCELL.
Saint Annie. Your theory makes more sense than the piano player who never knew the victim and graduated Julliard.
My money is on the sister Lutina Parcell. Probably having an affair with Brad Post too.
FBI will nail her. Her house, her crimes. Damn freaky b**ch.
This is some whacked ??. IDC, sister, mother, brother the LE/FBI needs to investigate that whole bunch. Sick people
I have read about Lutina the sister and a corrupt cop involved , the victims baby daddy Mello reported to sheriff Dan Beville in 2028 he has full custody of the kid he reported Brad Post and Lutina and Christina being sexually inappropriate.
Beville did zero. Now it turns out Mello was right they find kiddie porn and who does the Sheriff’s office hand the investigation to ? Dan Bevville ! Can you say Cover up ??
It’s also why Lutina the sister has not been charged with cocaine posession child porn and conspiracy of murder even though it was all in her house !?
Turns out he, Beville, was having a sexual relationship with Christina Parcell.
Fox News has all these false police reports and lies from Dan Beville and proof he knew Post and Parcell.
He runs the child sex crimes unit. Can’ t think of a better place to procure vulnerable kids for Brad Post and the Parcells than there.
I am looking at the arrest photo of Hughes. He turned himself in on a warrant not an admission of guilt and he did it just days after the murder. Speaking as a woman, if someone were to attack me so violently, I would be fighting for my life, That photo of Hughes would look like he went through a car windshield face first.
I, in fact anyone, would be gouging eyes, scratching, tearing ears off bighting his nose off.
Please, explain to me why there is not a SINGLE mark on this mans face, ears, neck absolutely nothing.
They claim DNA , yet according to the bond hearing have yet to produce an analysis.
If it was under her fingernails, it certainly did not come from Hughes face. His innocence is right there in the photo.
And as someone else said. How come Lutina Parcell , who owns the home, has not been charged with possession and manufacturing of child pornography, accomplice to murder, or child abuse and neglect, possession of cocaine or any DSS charges due to the child in this house of horrors?
And if the Parcells and Brad Post were reported to this Sheriff child sex crimes investigator several years ago, how can he explain not doing anything ?
This reeks of a coverup and corruption.
People need to start demanding answers because evidence is showing there is a murderer maybe more than one, still at large in our community and the victims sister is just too shady to not be charged with all these offenses.
Here is what makes no sense. The accused pianist Hughes, turns himself in not confessing but on the warrant to clear things up. The prosecutor Wilkins, best friends with a lawyer named Traxler who happens to be Brad Posts best friend according to documents, not to mention Wilkins’ history of corruption , claims there was DNA under the fingernails of the victim.Now speaking as a woman, heck, as a human , if I was being stabbed dozens of times i would be fighting like a Tiger on steroids. Now LOOK at the arrest photo of Hughes. Taken just days after the killing. There is not a scratch, a bite mark, a gouge not even a swollen lip or blackeye. How HOW is that possible? I think I speak for most of you, if it were ME being murdered?? They would find his nose in my stomach, a chunk of his cheek in my teeth and an eyeball and ear across the room.And who believes this Lutina Parcell, who owned the house had nothing to do with it??
How is it possible in SC she is not charged with possession of child pornography and cocaine not to mention murder conspiracy, child endangerment and a host of other charges? She is involved no doubt and being protected no doubt by the cop involved as mentioned by others.
More scary is the pianist is innocent which means a psychopath is out there or more than one .And it is likely Abe Hartnup the boyfriend of Lutina who John Mello discussed on the radio and in another interview. Hartnup was convicted of attempted murder of his ex wife and other crimes. Also trained to kill with a knife in the Marines. not to mention Lutina Parcells half million dollars in 20 banks on a $35,000 a year salary. she is involved, no way she is not.
they really screwed the pooch on this one
ukrainians like to diddle kids thats where the pederass n chief and crackhead hunter clean there dirty money
There is alot alot alot to this that is not put in the media.
Post did not have thousands of child pornography photos. He had millions of photos. All proccessed and put on jump drives for distribution. They delivered their filth to people in their network by hand delivery.
Big take away is that there is a metwork and it is huge. Nothing on that in public yet. Post is doling out information a little at a time as currency to stay in protected medical confinemt instead of general population.
Nope. I do not think the sister nor Post was involved in her murder. Post found her. WHY would he leave evidence incriminating him there, which basically ensured he would be in prison for life? Nope. He found Parcell, was shocked, called cops. Did not even think about the planted stuff that surrounded her body.
UPDATE: there were no flash drives or child images found at the scene of the crime. This is misinformation.
WGFD
Still no mention of the officer who was accused of having an affair with the Parcell and was on scene for many hours on the day of the murder? Or the cigar shop allegedly being used as the drop-off location for the child pornography. What about Mello’s continued insistence with DSS workers that his daughter was being molested and yet they were somehow were still able to extradite the minor victim from Italy? Come on now, this case goes much, much deeper than one’s man’s fight for his daughter.
Agreed! 100%