Nicholas Deluca was a happy 21-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio, who his family said loved to make people laugh and had an infectious laugh of his own. Known as Nick, he was a father to a one-year-old son, Azriel, and a beloved son, brother, and friend to many who knew him.
On the evening of September 9, 2021, Deluca’s life was cut short. Around 5:40 p.m., he and his mother were walking out of the Western Mart convenience store at the corner of Western and Spencer in South Toledo. As they exited, three males approached them on foot. One of the men opened fire, shooting Deluca several times. Emergency responders arrived to find him suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The shooting was captured on video surveillance, and along with witness statements, it helped investigators identify three suspects. Police arrested Jose R. Juarez on September 9, 2021, the same day as the shooting.
A second suspect, Xavier Purdue, was arrested on October 5, 2021. A 17-year-old was also taken into custody. All three were charged in connection with the murder.
The legal proceedings for the two adult defendants have since concluded. Jose Juarez, who was initially charged with murder, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of complicity to commit felonious assault, a second-degree felony. His sentencing was scheduled for August 22. On November 29, Xavier Purdue changed his initial plea and pleaded guilty to murder. He was sentenced to serve 15 years to life in prison, with 15 years being mandatory.
The case is considered resolved with the convictions of the two adult defendants. The latest development was Purdue's sentencing in November. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.
