Nicholas Deluca was a 21-year-old father from Toledo, Ohio, described by his family as outgoing with an infectious laugh. He was killed on the evening of September 9, 2021, after being shot outside the Western Mart convenience store at Western and Spencer in South Toledo while leaving the store with his mother. Emergency responders found him with at least one gunshot wound; he was taken to a hospital and died of his injuries.

Surveillance video and witness statements identified three suspects. Police arrested Jose R. Juarez on September 9, 2021, a 17-year-old was taken into custody, and Xavier Purdue was arrested on October 5, 2021. All three were charged in connection with the murder. Juarez later pleaded guilty to complicity to commit felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and Purdue pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life, with 15 years mandatory. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.