Belmont Man Convicted of 2014 Murder of Waltham Teen

WALTHAM, MA – A Belmont man was convicted of second degree murder Friday in the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Tyler Zanco.

Domingo Mendes, 24, was also found guilty of possession of a firearm without a license, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and conspiracy to distribute a Class D substance.

Prosecutors said on the night of March 20, 2014, Mendes allegedly met with 24-year-old Taylor Poulin, of Waltham, at the Garden Crest apartment complex. Poulin had allegedly brought marijuana and a firearm for a drug transaction.

According to authorities, Poulin met with Zanco, and an altercation allegedly ensued. Mendes saw the altercation and exited the car, took the gun and fired multiple shots, one of which struck Zanco in the back, the Middlesex District Attorney's office said.

Mendes and Poulin then fled the scene, prosecutors said. Zanco was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"The defendant’s actions in this case resulted in the tragic loss of life of a 17-year-old high school student," Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. "Today’s verdict is a recognition of the fact that the violence that often goes hand-in-hand with drug deals has tragic consequences."

Poulin was arrested six days later in Windham, ME. Mendes turned himself in to police the following month.

Poulin is scheduled to stand trial on Dec. 5. He faces charges of 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 or park zone.

Domingo Mendes will be sentenced Dec. 8.

"I would like to thank the Waltham Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office for their dedicated work on this case," Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson said in a statement. "It is our hope that today’s verdict brings closure to the family and loved ones of Tyler Zanco."

Image via Shutterstock