The tragic case of a pregnant Massachusetts woman found stabbed to death has sent shockwaves through the community. The victim, 25-year-old Brianna Welsh, was three months pregnant at the time of her death.
A Gruesome Discovery in a Massachusetts Apartment
The horrific chain of events began unfolding on July 31st when Brianna’s mother contacted the apartment building’s maintenance after failing to reach her daughter. Upon entering Brianna’s apartment, maintenance made a chilling discovery: Brianna’s body, bearing multiple stab wounds, lay lifeless.
Domestic Disturbance Precedes the Tragedy
Just a day before her murder, Brianna had made a frantic 911 call, reporting that her live-in boyfriend, Brandon Vella, had punched her in the stomach. Police swiftly arrested Brandon, charging him with assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery upon a pregnant person.
After Brandon’s arrest, Brianna sought medical attention at a local hospital. Assured of her well-being, doctors discharged Brianna several hours later. Key fob data revealed her return to the apartment around 6:15 PM.
Investigation Points to Boyfriend’s Brother
Following the discovery of Brianna’s body, investigators tracked down Brandon, who had been released on bail. Brandon claimed he had not returned to the apartment, a claim seemingly corroborated by his unchanged attire, which, according to officials, bore no traces of blood.
Suspicions then shifted to another occupant of the apartment: Brandon’s 26-year-old brother, Zachary Vella. Zachary, who was reportedly homeless, had been residing with the couple.
Initially, Zachary provided an alibi, stating he spent the entire day at a Dunkin Donuts. However, police investigations debunked this alibi. Confronted with this information, Zachary revised his story, admitting to being at the apartment between 2 PM and 8:30 PM but denying any interaction with Brianna.
Key Fob Data and Incriminating Evidence Contradict Alibi
However, key fob data contradicted Zachary’s revised statement. Records indicated Brianna used her key fob around 6:15 PM, and the last recorded use of the key fob to exit the apartment was around 8:30 PM. No other entries were logged until the wellness check, effectively placing Zachary at the scene during the critical time frame.
Further solidifying Zachary’s alleged involvement, investigators retrieved Brianna’s key fob from a backpack found at a relative’s house where Zachary claimed to have been staying.
Adding to the mounting evidence, surveillance footage captured Zachary carrying several bags, including a suspicious trash bag. Prosecutors revealed that this bag contained clothing stained with what appeared to be blood. Even more damning, a kitchen knife discovered within the bag tested positive for blood.
Legal Expert Weighs In
Former Massachusetts prosecutor Jennifer Roman, commenting on the case, asserted that the evidence against Zachary appears overwhelming: “There’s definitely strong enough evidence to suggest probable cause meaning that it’s more likely than not you know that he was involved in some way.”
Roman further pointed to the surveillance footage, Zachary’s changing alibis, and the presence of potentially blood-stained clothing and a knife as particularly compelling evidence.
Zachary Vella Arrested and Charged
Based on the collected evidence, Zachary Vella was arrested and charged with Brianna’s murder. During his arraignment, he entered a plea of not guilty to charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Prosecutors successfully argued for Zachary to be held without bail. Despite lacking a prior criminal record, the prosecution highlighted the brutal nature of the crime and the potential danger Zachary posed.
Roman believes it is likely Zachary will remain incarcerated: “The prosecutors are going to present evidence to a grand jury as quickly as they can, and they will secure an indictment for murder most likely given just the evidence that we know already.”
She added, “When you’re accused of murder, especially something as heinous as this, you’re going to be considered a dangerous person and be held without bail.”
A Community Mourns a Life Cut Short
As the legal proceedings against Zachary Vella continue, a GoFundMe page established to support Brianna’s family paints a heartbreaking picture of a young woman robbed of her future. The page reveals that Brianna had been eagerly anticipating sharing the gender of her baby with her loved ones.
The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. While Zachary Vella awaits his day in court, the community mourns the loss of Brianna Welsh, a life tragically cut short.
