Press Release  East Boston Man Guilty in Fatal Hit and Run

Salem, Massachusetts — An East Boston man was convicted today of leaving the scene of personal injury resulting in death in connection with a 2007 hit and run in which 2 pedestrians were killed.  Judge Timothy Feeley found Michael Tranchita, 35, guilty following a bench trial in Salem Superior Court.  Tranchita was taken into custody.  Sentencing is scheduled for December 12 at 2:00 p.m.

On January 5, 2007 at approximately 11:30 p.m., police responded to reports that two pedestrians had been struck on Route 1 South near Essex Street in Saugus.  One of the pedestrians, Tina Tello, 33, of Stoneham, was dead at the scene.  The other, Christopher Zullo, 28, of Everett, was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.  Witnesses told police that the vehicle that struck the pedestrians had fled.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Jay Gubitose introduced evidence that proved that the defendant was driving the GMC Sierra pick-up truck that struck the pedestrians, which resulted in their deaths, and left the scene. 

ADA Gubitose was assisted by ADA Jennifer Kirshenbaum, and Essex Victim Advocate Jenn Anderson.  He also acknowledged Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Norman Zuk and Trooper Brian O’Neill, Trooper John Strazzullo and Sargent John Deyermond for their work on the investigation.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Michael Cioffi.

###