Freeport man convicted of murder

Darin Semple, 22, of Freeport, was convicted today for his involvement in the murder of Rafael Delossantos in Baldwin last year.

Semple was found guilty by a jury on Monday of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery. The verdict came after a trial presided over by Judge Helene Gugerty.

Semple is scheduled for sentencing on May 3, 2024, and could face 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,” said District Attorney Anne Donnelly in a statement.

“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.”

The incident occurred on October 25, 2021, on Victoria Street in Baldwin.

Semple, along with co-defendant Devin Obleanis and another unidentified suspect, confronted Delossantos, held him at gunpoint, robbed him of the marijuana, and shot him twice before fleeing the scene. Delossantos succumbed to his injuries.

Semple and Obleanis were apprehended on December 10, 2021, by detectives of the Nassau County Police Department's Homicide Squad and the Bureau of Special Operations. Ongoing investigations are underway regarding the unidentified suspect.

Obleanis, also 22, of Central Islip, faced similar charges and was arraigned before Judge Gugerty on March 25, 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 9, 2022, and is awaiting sentencing scheduled for April 15.

The prosecution is being handled by Bureau Chief Michelle Lewisohn of the Grand Jury Bureau. Semple is represented by Doug Rankin, Esq., while Obleanis is represented by Lloyd Nadel, Esq., and Andrea Zellan, Esq.