Waltham Man Convicted as Accessory in Teen's Murder

WALTHAM, MA – A Waltham man was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder this week in the 2014 murder of 17-year-old Tyler Zanco.

Taylor Poulin, 24, was also found guilty of possession of a firearm without a license, possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.

Domingo Mendes, 24, was found guilty of second degree murder in November and sentenced to life in prison.

Prosecutors said on the night of March 20, 2014, Mendes met with Poulin at the Garden Crest apartment complex. The latter had brought marijuana and a gun for a drug deal.

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According to authorities, Poulin met with Zanco, and an altercation 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. Zanco was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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

"This verdict closes a difficult chapter in the lives of the family and loved ones of Tyler Zanco," said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. "Taylor Poulin’s actions contributed to the death of a 17-year-old, and Monday’s conviction is a reflection of the nature of the defendant's involvement."

Poulin is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 5.

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