2021 Nassau Murder: 2 Men Face Up To Life In Prison, DA Says

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Two men were sentenced to up to life in prison for their roles in the murder of a 23-year-old man in Baldwin in October 2021, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Tuesday.

Darin Semple, 22, of Freeport, was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery on March 25. He was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison.

Devin Obleanis, 22, of Central Islip, pleaded guilty on Sept. 9, 2022, to second-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He was sentenced on April 15 to 20 years to life in prison.

"Rafael Delossantos' young life was snuffed out by Darin Semple and Devin Obleanis, who lured the 23-year-old to Baldwin intending to steal from him, and killed him in the process," Donnelly said in a news release. "These defendants callously ended Rafael’s life and will spend decades in prison paying for their violence. Our thoughts remain with Rafael’s family and friends as they continue to mourn his loss."

On Oct. 25, 2021, around 1:50 p.m., on Victoria Street in Baldwin, Semple, Obleanis, and another suspect yet to be apprehended, met with Delossantos, Donnelly said. Obleanis sent text messages to Delossantos asking to meet under the guise of buying marijuana, prosecutors said.

The three pulled up behind Delossantos in their car, entered Delossantos's vehicle and held him at gunpoint, authorities said. Semple, Obleanis and the other person then stole the marijuana and shot Delossantos twice before fleeing, officials said. Delossantos died to 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, investigators said.

Law enforcement is still looking for the third person involved in the killing.

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