Lynn Man Convicted In 2017 Killing Of Salem Man During Crime Rampage

SALEM, MA — A Lynn man was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2017 killing of a young Salem man as part of a days-long crime spree, which included the rape and robbery of a female convenience store clerk in North Andover and the shooting of two other women in Lawrence, in Salem Superior Court on Friday.

Brian Brito, 27, was convicted of killing Mohammedreza "Sina" Zangiband, 24, while the aspiring pilot was working as a food delivery driver in Lynn on March 27, 2017. He was also convicted of aggravated rape and kidnapping of a North Andover convenience store clerk that he attacked after killing Zangiband. He was also convicted in the shooting of two women in Lawrence on March 25, 2017.

"The brutality of these crimes has changed many lives forever but justice was served through a tremendous group effort by our trial team, victim witness staff and investigators with units across the community," Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said. "This was a difficult case for many reasons but this defendant will now face the consequences of his actions."

Brito was charged with murder, aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery while
masked and while carrying a firearm, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and armed assault with intent to murder.

He was convicted on all 12 counts.

Sentencing was scheduled for July 20.

The trial was delayed for years, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brito's lawyer argued that he was not in a state of mind where he could be responsible for his actions during the rampage and should be found not guilty by reason of insanity.