The murder trial for confessed killer Zachary David Hughes resumed Wednesday in Greenville, South Carolina.

According to FITS News, Hughes’ defense lawyers called him to the stand to explain why he killed 41-year-old veterinary technician Christina Parcell on October 13, 2021.

Prosecutors said Hughes stabbed  Parcell, of Greer, S.C., almost 30 times on October 13, 2021. Following the attack, he allegedly arranged rose petals around her body.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, physical evidence and surveillance footage implicated Hughes in the murder, according to investigators.

While on the stand,Hughes explained that he felt he was protecting the victim’s daughter from alleged sexual abuse. The judge previously ruled that the defense was inadmissible, since the child was away at school when the killing occurred.

During his testimony, Hughes recounted meeting  the child and her father, John Mello, in August 2020 while playing piano on the street during COVID. He said he was impressed by the child and met with them several times before taking her to Italy in October 2020.

“I was convinced she was a happy, healthy kid and he was a great father,” Hughes said.

Hugjes also discussed the five siblings that his parents adopted.

Hughes said his conversations with Mello increased after Parcell won custody of her daughter.

“It wasn’t that she was immoral, she was amoral,” Hughes told the court. “She was dead inside. She was a masterful manipulator and deceiver. She could lie at a drop of a hat.”

Hughes emphasized that his experience with his sister was crucial for the jury to understand his reaction to what Mello shared about Parcell.

“I realized that there is an incredible danger that what Christina Parcell was, was a future preview of what (the child) could potentially become if she was left in this woman’s custody and was raised by her,” he said. “And the facts have borne out that I was right.”

Meanwhile, the prosecutor found over 1,000 WhatsApp messages exchanged between Hughes and Mello, including one where Mello asked Hughes to harass Parcell. They also presented a Ring video that showed a person leaving Parcell’s home and riding a bicycle out of the neighborhood. A subsequent search warrant led to the discovery of a bike matching the one in the video at Hughes’ home.

Last Friday, S.C. Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins wrapped up the state’s case by introducing DNA evidence that placed Hughes at the scene of the crime, FITS News reports.

The trial continues. Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Feature Photo via Foothills Veterinary Hospital]