Belmont Man Convicted in 2014 Murder of Waltham Teen
WOBURN (CBS) -- A Middlesex Superior Court jury convicted a Belmont man Friday in connection with the 2014 murder of a Waltham teenager.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that 24 year-old Domingo Mendes was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 17 year-old Tyler Zanco on March 20, 2014.
Mendes was also convicted of possession of a firearm without a license, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and conspiracy to distribute a Class D substance.
He is scheduled to be sentenced December 8th.
"Today's verdict is a recognition of the fact that the violence that often goes hand-in-hand with drug deals has tragic consequences," District Attorney Ryan said in a release.
Back in March of 2014, court documents revealed the fatal incident may have stemmed from a set-up the teen had instigated.
Investigators reported that Zanco wanted revenge against a second man, 24 year-old Taylor Poulin of Waltham. Zanco believed Poulin had ripped off his younger cousin out of 2 ounces of marijuana.
Authorities say Mendes and Poulin, who had brought marijuana and a gun for an intended drug transaction, drove to the Garden Crest apartment complex in Waltham to meet Zanco. A fight between Poulin and the victim broke out. Mendes exited the car, took control of the gun and fired multiple shots, one of which struck the victim in the back. Mendes and Poulin then fled the scene.
Mendes turned himself in to Waltham Police on April 17, 2014.
Poulin was arrested in Maine six days after Zanco's death. He is charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, accessory after the fact the murder, possession of a firearm without a license, attempting to commit a crime, conspiracy, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, conspiracy to violate the drug laws and violating the drug laws in a school/park zone.
He is scheduled to go on trial December 5.
