Three charged in 2007 hit-and-run collision that killed two people in Saugus

By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

Three people have been charged with conspiracy in connection with a five-year-old hit-and-run accident that killed two pedestrians in Saugus, according to the Essex district attorney’s office.

Michael S. Tranchita Jr., 33, of Winchester, was indicted Friday for leaving the scene of a death, conspiracy, and two counts of misleading a potential witness for the January 5, 2007 collision that killed pedestrians Tina Tello, 33, of Stoneham, and Christopher Zullo, 28, of Everett.

Tranchita’s father, Michael S. Tranchita Sr., 55, of Winchester, was also charged with conspiracy, misleading a potential witness and misleading investigators.

And Lisa Cutting, 39, of Revere, was charged with conspiracy, misleading an investigator, and accessory after the fact.

All three were indicted late Friday, and turned themselves over to the Massachusetts State Police this morning. They will be arraigned in Salem Superior Court, though no date has been scheduled.

Tello and Zullo were on foot trying to cross Route 1 South in Saugus near Essex Street, just after 11:30 p.m. the night of January 5, 2007. The area is not designated for pedestrian travel.

Police determined that they were struck by a vehicle that was traveling southbound at the time. Tello was pronounced dead at the scene. Zullo was transported by ambulance to Mass General Hospital, and died two days later.