Indictments Handed Down In Connection To 2021 Murder, Drug Deal: NCDA

MINEOLA, NY — Two men have been indicted for their roles in the murder of a 23-year-old victim in Baldwin during an apparent drug deal in Oct. 2021, the Nassau County District Attorney's office announced.

Darin Semple, 20, of Freeport, was arraigned before Judge Helene Gugerty on second-degree murder, first-and second-degree robbery. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded, He is due back in court on May 25, according to the D.A.'s office.

The co-defendant, Devin Obleanis, 21, of Central Islip, also pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, first- and second-degree robbery. He is due back in court on April 27.

“The defendants allegedly lured Rafael Delossantos to Baldwin under the guise of buying marijuana, but instead, the meet-up was an ambush that left him dead," said DA Anne Donnelly. "The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our county and take lives. We will continue to work together with our partners at the NCPD to get these dangerous weapons off our streets and out of the hands of criminals."

If convicted of the top charge, they face a maximum of up to life in prison.

Semple and Obleanis and another unapprehended suspect met with 23-year-old Delossantos. According to the DA, Obleanis text messaged the victim and agreed to meet with the intention to buy marijuana.

The defendants allegedly pulled up behind the victim in their car, entered the victim’s vehicle and held Delossantos at gunpoint. The three defendants then allegedly stole the marijuana and shot the victim two times before fleeing. Delossantos died as a result of his injuries, the D.A.'s office said.

Semple and Obleanis were both arrested on the Meadowbrook Parkway in North Merrick on December 10, 2021.