Lynn, MA- A 25-year-old woman, Brianna Welsh, was tragically found dead at her apartment in Lynn, Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 31. She was reportedly about three months pregnant at the time.
According to the DA’s office, Welsh’s ex-boyfriend, Brendon Vozzella, was arrested by Lynn Police on charges of alleged domestic violence, just one day before Welsh was found dead.
During the court proceedings on Thursday, August 1, Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall stated that Brendon is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend by punching her in the stomach. Following the incident, Brendon was arrested by the police at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend, Welsh, was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, as reported by NBC-10 Boston. Welsh arrived back at the apartment a few hours later, reaching home by 6:15 p.m., while Brendon remained in police custody, according to the outlet.
Zachary Vozzella, the 26-year-old brother of Brendon, had been staying with the couple and reportedly returned to the apartment while Welsh was at home, as reported by the Boston Globe, WHDH, and NBC10. According to the outlets, prosecutors claimed that Zachary is accused of fatally stabbing Welsh, resulting in multiple stab wounds.
According to WHDH, prosecutors have stated that Brendon did not return to the apartment after his arrest and they do not believe he is responsible for Welsh’s death.
During the ongoing investigation, multiple news outlets, including CBS News Boston, NBC10, and WHDH, reported that prosecutors claimed police discovered blood-stained clothes and a kitchen knife in a garbage bag at a different apartment where Zachary had also been residing.
Brendon was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of assault and battery. The charges include assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery upon a pregnant person, according to the DA’s office. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6. It remains uncertain whether he has entered pleas or secured legal representation.
On Thursday, Zachary entered a plea of not guilty to charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Lynn District Court. He was subsequently held without bail, according to the DA’s office.
Zachary’s attorney, Francisco Napolitano, stated to WHDH that he is refuting any allegations of being involved in any form of violence resulting in death. According to court records, Zachary is scheduled to attend a pre-trial probable cause hearing on Sept. 10.
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker expressed his condolences for the devastating loss suffered by Brianna Welsh’s family due to the tragic violence. Although the loss suffered cannot be undone or fixed, we strive to bring justice on her behalf to provide assurance that we and the community stand by them.