Counselor Melissa Hamilton was sexually assaulted before being fatally stabbed: MNPD

Natalie Neysa Alund | The Tennessean

New details in the case against the man accused of brutally killing a counselor inside the Nashville business where she worked show he sexually assaulted the woman before her death.

Brian Dewayne Conley, who is charged with criminal homicide in this week's death of 50-year-old Melissa Hamilton, entered Crossroads Counseling at 521 S Gallatin Pike at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and while inside sexually assaulted Hamilton, according to an arrest affidavit.

Conley, 31, then stabbed her to death, police said.

Police found Hamilton dead and unclothed in a back office area of the business at 6 a.m Wednesday.

Video cameras in the area captured Conley entering and leaving the business, according to court documents. Crossroads Counseling provides court-appointed domestic violence and alcohol and drug therapy to people in Davidson County.

Conley was not a client at the business, police said.

According to the affidavit, Conley also had a defensive wound to his right pinky finger consistent with the victim's stab wounds.

Conley was booked into the Metro jail on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. He is being held without bond, jail records show.

Conley is due in court for a hearing on the charge Monday morning.

A celebration of life service for Hamilton is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Christ Life Community at the Boys and Girls Club of Smyrna at 198 Culbertson Road.

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Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.