Man Convicted Of Murder In 2021 Nassau Shooting: Police

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A Freeport man was convicted Monday for his role in the murder of a man in Baldwin in October 2021, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced.

Darin Semple, 22, of Freeport, was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery. His sentencing is scheduled for May 3. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

"Darin Semple used a planned marijuana deal as the lure to ambush and kill 23-year-old Rafael Delossantos on a Baldwin street, shooting him twice in his car and making off with the marijuana," Donnelly said in a news release. "Rafael was a young man with a family who loved him. That family endured his loss and sat every day during this defendant’s trial to ensure justice was done. We thank the jury for their service and verdict in this case, and we continue to keep Rafael's family in our thoughts."

On Oct. 25, 2021, around 1:51 p.m. on Victoria Street in Baldwin, Semple, co-defendant Devin Obleanis, and another person who has yet to be apprehended, met with Delossantos, officials said. Obleanis texted Delossantos and agreed to meet with the intention to buy marijuana, authorities said.

The trio pulled up behind Delossantos in their car, entered Delossantos's vehicle and held Delossantos at gunpoint, prosecutors said. The three defendants then stole the marijuana and shot Delossantos two times before fleeing, investigators said.

Delossantos died of his injuries, the DA said.

Semple and Obleanis were both arrested on the Meadowbrook Parkway in North Merrick by detectives of the Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad and the Bureau of Special Operations on Dec. 10, 2021, officials said.

The investigation into third suspect is ongoing, authorities said.

Obleanis, 22, of Central Islip, was arraigned on March 25, 2022, and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery. Obleanis pleaded guilty on Sept. 9, 2022, and is due back in court for sentencing on April 15.

Semple is represented by Doug Rankin. Obleanis is represented by Lloyd Nadel and Andrea Zellan.