In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a pregnant woman in Massachusetts was tragically found stabbed to death inside her apartment. The victim, 25-year-old Brianna Walsh, who was three months pregnant, was discovered with multiple sharp force injuries. Authorities have arrested the alleged killer, who turns out to be someone she knew, adding another layer of tragedy to this already devastating case.
The gruesome discovery was made on July 31st after Brianna’s mother, concerned about not hearing from her daughter, contacted the apartment building’s maintenance to conduct a wellness check. The apartment key fob data revealed Brianna had returned home around 6:15 p.m. that evening, just hours after being released from the hospital following a domestic violence incident.
Brianna Walsh, a 25-year-old pregnant woman, was found stabbed to death in her Massachusetts apartment.
Just a day prior to her death, Brianna had called 911 to report that her live-in boyfriend, Brandon Vella, had punched her in the stomach. Brandon was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery upon a pregnant person. He was later released on bail.
Following Brianna’s murder, investigators tracked down Brandon, who claimed he had not returned to their shared apartment since his arrest. He was reportedly wearing the same clothes, which showed no signs of blood, according to officials. This led investigators to shift their focus to another individual residing in the apartment: Brandon’s 26-year-old brother, Zachary Vella.
Zachary, who was reportedly homeless, had been staying with the couple. Initially, he told investigators he had been at a Dunkin Donuts all day. However, his alibi crumbled when police discovered this was not true. He then changed his story, claiming he was at the apartment from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. but maintained that he never saw Brianna.
However, key fob data contradicted Zachary’s claims. The data indicated that the last time the apartment door was used was around 8:30 p.m., and there were no other recorded entries until the welfare check. Further solidifying their suspicions, authorities found Brianna’s key fob in a backpack at a relative’s house where Zachary claimed to have been staying.
Zachary Vella, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Even more damning evidence came to light when video footage showed Zachary carrying several bags, including a trash bag, away from the apartment. Prosecutors revealed that the bag contained clothing with red-brown stains. Additionally, a kitchen knife found in the bag tested positive for blood.
Former Massachusetts prosecutor Jennifer Roman commented on the case, stating that “the evidence against Zachary is overwhelming.” She highlighted the strength of the evidence, including the surveillance footage, Zachary’s changing alibi, and the incriminating items found in his possession.
Zachary Vella was arrested and charged with Brianna’s murder. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution, citing the gruesome nature of the crime, requested that Zachary be held without bail, which was granted.
As the investigation continues, a probable cause hearing has been scheduled for September 10th. Meanwhile, Brandon Vella still faces charges of assault and battery related to the previous incident.
This horrific incident has left Brianna’s loved ones reeling from the loss. A GoFundMe page established to support her family shared heartbreaking details, revealing that Brianna was excited to share the gender of her baby in the week she was murdered.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the legal proceedings are just beginning, and the quest for justice for Brianna Walsh and her unborn child continues.
