Derrike Martin Bubble Gum Roppolo was 18 when he died of a gunshot wound on February 10, 2015, at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights. He lived in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, and was described as someone who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time with family and friends. He was born April 28, 1996, to Martin Roppolo and Tracy Niel; his sister is Sarah Niel.

The shooting occurred during a drug-related robbery at his Basin Street apartment. A 17-year-old, Todd Johnson, and an accomplice attempted to steal marijuana; Johnson was said to have pointed a gun at Derrike, demanded belongings, and then shot him. Johnson was tried as an adult, convicted of second-degree homicide and sentenced to 35 years to life. Court testimony and reporting noted issues about charging and sentencing juveniles under the 2012 Supreme Court guidance.

Derrike’s family spoke during the trial about his kind, fun-loving nature and the deep grief his death caused. Did anyone in Leechburg at the time have information about the robbery or the people involved?