PHILADELPHIA, PA — The City of Brotherly Love came under the spotlight this week when teenager John Nusslein pleaded guilty to a spree of frightening carjackings, one of which resulted in death.
The 19-year-old Philadelphia native was caught in the legal net for conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking resulting in death, and carjacking causing severe bodily harm. The charges leveled against Nusslein were outlined in an indictment back in June 2022.
The chain of events behind the indictment is both alarming and heartbreaking. Between November and December of 2021, Nusslein and his cohorts reportedly carjacked two food delivery drivers in Northeast Philadelphia – the unsuspecting victims of a cruel and deadly game.
The first incident in the crime series occurred on the evening of December 2, 2021. Nusslein and two unnamed individuals placed a food delivery order on Teesdale Street, the unsuspecting delivery driver, known only as C.C., walked straight into their trap. Upon his arrival, the trio set upon him, landing multiple blows before making off with his 2004 Toyota Camry. Shockingly, C.C. later succumbed to his injuries, with authorities affirming the assault during the carjacking as the cause of death.
Another incident followed close on the heels of the first. On December 16, 2021, Nusslein and one other accomplice set a similar trap using a food delivery order. This time, the duo targeted a delivery driver identified as W.Z. Nusslein and his partner in crime assaulted the victim and took off in W.Z.’s 2015 Infiniti QX5.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero labeled the crime as “despicable,” emphasizing that such violent predators would face prosecution and long-term incarceration. Her sentiments were echoed by Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division, Eric J. DeGree, who highlighted carjacking as a grave federal offense that can have fatal outcomes.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel also expressed his disgust at the brutal attacks on innocent individuals. He praised the concerted efforts by the Philadelphia Police Department, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to justice and vowed to maintain the carjacking task force’s tireless work in ensuring the safety of Philadelphians.
Nusslein now awaits sentencing, set for July 31, 2024, before United States District Court Judge John M. Younge. The teenager could potentially be sentenced to life in prison.
This case is part of a wider strategy under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that connects law enforcement at all levels with their communities to fight violent crime and gun violence. The Department launched a forceful action plan to strengthen PSN in May 2021.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department joined forces on this case, with prosecution being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren E. Stram and Robert E. Eckert.
As the gavel prepares to fall on Nusslein, one can only hope that justice will be served and the city’s residents can begin to feel safe on their streets.
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