Waltham man gets jail time in connection with fatal robbery attempt

WOBURN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Waltham man pleaded guilty Thursday to several charges in connection with his role in a failed robbery attempt last year that took the life of a teenager.

Steven Tran, 18, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession of an electrical weapon and was sentenced to 3 to 4 years in state prison, plus 3 years of probation when he is released.

"It was clear from evidence gathered that Steven Tran expected trouble when he arranged the meeting," District Attorney Ryan said in a release. "Clearly, he brought friends with him and clearly he brought a weapon because he was planning to commit a crime."

Police say that Tran arranged a meeting with Taylor Poulin, 22, of Waltham on March 20 of last year at the Gardencrest Apartments to buy two pounds of marijuana. Tran did not bring any cash to the meeting, but did have a weapon. He went with 17-year-old high school student Tyler Zanco and another minor.

Poulin brought Domingo Mendes, 23, of Belmont, with him to the meeting, along with a loaded handgun. Zanco allegedly tried to rob Poulin and then a fight broke out. Poulin allegedly hit Zanco in the head with the gun. Zanco fled and police say that Mendes allegedly used Poulin's gun to shoot Zanco in the back. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Mendes and Poulin were arrested and are now facing multiple indictments. They are due back in court in August.

Cox Media Group