Attorneys for Zachary Hughes , a concert pianist on trial for the “Rose Petal Murder,” began presenting their case to jurors on Tuesday.

According to NBC 4, Hughes’ defense strategy centers on an unexpected admissio that he acknowledged committing homicide but contended it was not murder.

Prosecutors said Hughes stabbed 41-year-old veterinary technician Christina 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.

“Zach has been waiting for this opportunity to tell people to tell a group of people like you what really happened, which is that he took the life of Christina Parcell, and crucially, he’s been waiting and wanting to tell you why,” defense lawyer Attorney Mark Moyer

“The prosecution said that Zach was mad. He said he had an angry heart, that he wanted to inject himself into this custody dispute of somebody he knew, but that’s not what happened, and that is not what you’re going to hear about why this happened.”

“You’re going to hear that this was not done for money or any other personal gain or benefit, not to help out any kind of friend. You’re going to hear that this was done for a just cause, and that’s not malice, and that’s not murder.”

In a 47-page response filed Tuesday, the defense argued that Hughes acted to protect Parcell’s daughter from alleged sexual abuse.

Judge Patrick Fant, however, rejected the “defense of others” argument, stating that Parcell’s daughter was at school when her mother was killed. He emphasized that there was no imminent danger to the child at that time.

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.

[Feature Photo via Foothills Veterinary Hospital]