Solicitor files motion to disclose iPhone password in murder case of Christina Parcell

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Solicitor W. Walter Wilkins filed a motion to disclose the iPhone password of Zachary Hughes, a man charged with murder in the death of Christina Parcell.

According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 13, 2021, 41-year-old Parcell was stabbed at least 31 times at her home on Canebrake Drive.

Court documents reveal the suspect was caught on a nearby ring doorbell camera entering her home the day she was killed. The same suspect was also seen leaving the home on a bike.

Investigators say they used FLOCK cameras which read license plates when learning Zachary Hughes was the suspect. Those cameras got pictures of Hughes’ truck with a bike in the back. The same bike was later found in Hughes’ home.

These documents also shed some light on the relationship that Hughes’ had with the father of Parcell’s child. The papers allege John Mello was in a very “contentious” custody battle with Parcell at the time of her death.

We’re told Mello was also found to be close friends with Zachary Hughes. The two men allegedly exchanged nearly 2,000 messages through WhatsApp.

In one of the conversations, documents allege Mello asked Hughes to harass Parcel. On the day of her murder, we’re told Mello sent a message asking, “How did the music research go?” and Hughes’ responded with, “Good, I’ll tell you over the phone.”

The solicitor has since filed to get full access to Hughes’ phone. Officials believe unlocking it could further incriminate Hughes or identify other suspects.

Copyright 2022 WHNS. All rights reserved.