Rochester slay suspect indicted in witness tampering

Tristan Wolusky

DOVER, N.H. - The man accused of first-degree murder in the death of a Madbury teenager has been indicted in a witness tampering scheme in advance of his June murder trial in Strafford County Superior Court.

Tristan Wolusky, 19, of 46 Lowell St. was indicted on two counts of witness tampering and one count of conspiracy to commit witness tampering

According to the indictments handed down against Wolusky on April 16 and released today, Wolusky attempted to get co-defendant Michael Tatum to "testify or inform falsely" at Wolusky's June trial, and "to withhold testimony" in the proceeding.

Wolusky was also indicted in a separate conspiracy charge for allegedly hatching a scheme with a Rochester woman to facilitate clandestine communications between Wolusky and Tatum.

Alexandria Wyant, 21, of Rochester, was charged earlier this month with trying to aid Wolusky in the scheme. She was released on personal recognizance.

Wolusky, along with Zachary ''D.J.'' Pinette, 19, of 5B Rankin St., Springvale, Maine, and Tatum, 22, of 236 Young Road, Barrington, are all accused in the death of Wilkinson, who suffered some 22 stab wounds the night he was killed June 21 in the driveway of his Madbury home.

Court documents and testimony allege that Wolusky lured Wilkinson out of his home, then wrestled him to the ground whereupon Pinette and Tatum joined in attacking him with a knife and machete striking blows to the shoulder, back and head. The trio are said to have intended to rob Wilkinson of drug money they thought he would have had on him. In fact, they made off with about $30 and a cellphone.

Pinette pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and falsifying physical evidence in exchange for a 30 years to life sentence earlier this month, while Tatum is scheduled to plead guilty to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and falsifying physical evidence on April 24. Both are expected to testify against Wolusky at his June trial.

If convicted of first degree murder, Wolusky will serve a life without parole sentence.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt, only that a grand jury has found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.