|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
GREENVILLE, S.C. (BFMG) — John Joey Mello, 64, was denied bail Thursday night following his arrest earlier in the day in connection with the 2021 brutal stabbing of Christina Parcell. Mello, taken into custody at his home on Blake Street around 1:30 p.m., appeared before a bond court judge at 9:30 p.m. at the Greenville County Detention Center, where the judge ruled that he would remain behind bars as he awaits trial.
Mello faces charges of accessory before the fact of a felony and solicitation to commit a felony, which stem from new testimony and evidence presented in court earlier Thursday.
Shocking Courtroom Testimony Leads to Arrest
Earlier in the day, Zachary Hughes, the man currently on trial for Parcell’s murder, took the stand and delivered a bombshell claim. Hughes testified that Mello had offered him $5,000 to kill Parcell, allegedly under the belief that his daughter was in danger.
According to Hughes, Mello first asked him, “If I believed his daughter was in grave danger, would I be willing to kill Christina Parcell for $5,000?” Hughes stated that he was “shocked and insulted” by the question and told Mello “No.”
Following this testimony, Blunt Force Media’s Troy Styles talked to John Mello, asking him directly if he had solicited Hughes to murder Parcell. Mello denied ever making such a request or offering money for the crime.
Authorities Move Quickly
Based on Hughes’ testimony and additional evidence, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Specialized Investigations Team executed arrest warrants for Mello, taking him into custody without incident. As of Thursday night, the minor child at the center of this case remains in an undisclosed location.
Mello’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. He remains in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center, where he will await further legal proceedings.
Continuing Coverage
Blunt Force Media will continue to provide updates on this developing case. Stay tuned to our Docket for live courtroom coverage, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis.
