Ex-boyfriend’s brother accused of killing 25-year-old pregnant Massachusetts woman

Zachary Vozzella, 26, of Lynn, was arraigned today in Lynn District Court and charged with the murder of Brianna Welsh, 25, of Lynn. Yesterday morning, in response to a call, Lynn Police went to Welsh’s home at 254 Lynnway and found her deceased with what authorities believe to be multiple sharp force injuries. Welsh was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.

Following an intensive investigation by the Lynn Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, Zachary Vozzella was taken into custody as a suspect in Welsh’s murder. In addition to murder, he is also charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Zachary Vozzella has been identified as the brother of Welsh’s former boyfriend, Brendon Vozzella, 24, who also resided at the same home at 254 Lynnway.

Brendon Vozzella was arrested by Lynn Police on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30 after a report of domestic violence. After posting bail, Brendon Vozzella was arraigned in Lynn District Court yesterday on separate charges stemming from that initial domestic violence report: one count of assault and battery on a household member and one count of assault and battery upon a pregnant person. Brendon Vozzella is slated to return to Lynn District Court in relation to those charges on Tuesday, August 6. Authorities allege that Zachary Vozzella murdered Welsh while his brother Brendon Vozzella was being held in custody.

At his arraignment in Lynn District Court on Thursday, Zachary Vozzella pled not guilty and was held without bail. The Hon. David E. Frank presided and the defendant was represented by defense counsel Francisco Napolitano. Zachary Vozzella is slated to return to court on September 10 for a probable cause hearing. Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia is prosecuting the case.

“The tragic violence that has taken the life of Brianna Welsh and her unborn child has created an unbearable loss for her family,” said Tucker. “While their loss cannot be repaired or remedied, I hope that our efforts to seek justice on her behalf assures them that we and the community support them.”

“I am so sorry for the devastating loss of Brianna Welsh,” said Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “That she was an expectant mother makes this even more tragic, chilling, outrageous, and impossible to comprehend. I appreciate the work of first responders and law enforcement, and while many questions remain to be answered by the ongoing investigation, our city is left with a profound grief.”

Lynn Chief of Police Christopher Reddy added, “I am grateful for the work done by the representatives of the Lynn Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, which led to an arrest for this horrific crime. I want to extend our deepest condolences to Brianna’s family and pledge our continued support as we seek justice on her behalf.”