Prosecution rests case after DNA evidence presented in Upstate murder trial
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The trial for a man accused of stabbing a woman to death in Greer continued Friday.
Defendant Zachary Hughes walked in the courtroom and smiled at those sitting behind him. Hughes was often seen nodding in agreement with his attorneys.
FULL COVERAGE: Zachary Hughes Trial
The defense immediately began the cross-examination of investigator Jarrad Sparkman.
Hughes's attorneys focused on Sparkman's investigation into the victim's fiancé, Bradley Post. Attorneys asked about a delay in taking Post's cell phone, a 'clone phone' they said had access to victim Christina Parcell's Apple ID.
TRIAL DAY 1: Following postponement, jury selected for highly anticipated Upstate murder trial
'The clone phone you talked about, the way that that was cloned was just through sharing Apple IDs right?' asked defense attorney Andrew Moorman.
'Yes sir,' replied Sparkman.
'Bradley Post wouldn't give you that Apple ID, would he?' Moorman asked.
'He didn't initially,' Sparkman answered.
TRIAL DAY 2: Victim's fiancé testifies; neighboring surveillance footage headlines Upstate murder trial
After Sparkman, the state called the Greenville County Medical Examiner to the stand. Dr. Claire Rose testified that Parcell was stabbed 35 times, six stab wounds of which were to the right side of her neck.
'The appearance of all the sharp force injuries are consistent with a knife being used,' Dr. Rose explained.
TRIAL DAY 3: 'Apparent drag marks:' Graphic images of Canebrake murder presented in trial, victim's sister testifies
A DNA analyst said his findings show Hughes's DNA under the nails of Parcell's left hand. The prosecution then rested its case.
'A match between the minor DNA of item 2A and the match between Zachary Hughes are approximately 825 million times more likely than a coincidental match to a random unrelated individual,' said DNA analyst, Timothy Nafziger
'The state rests your honor,' Solicitor Walt Wilkins said.
'The state rests,' added Judge Patrick Fant.
TRIAL DAY 4: Phone records: Suspect, father of victim's child spoke day of Upstate murder
The defense motioned for a mistrial, which was denied.
Afterwards, the defense then motioned for a directed verdict, meaning the defense does not believe there was enough evidence against Hughes to proceed – which was also denied.
The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday at 10 a.m. The judge said Hughes will have the weekend to decide if he will testify.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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