On July 2, 2015, at approximately 1:26 p.m., 21-year-old Daniel Santiago, a Hispanic male, was shot multiple times on the 2800 block of Orthodox Street in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. Emergency responders transported him to Temple University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the incident, police apprehended 18-year-old Robert Diluzio on the 4600 block of Edgemont Street. Witnesses identified Diluzio as the shooter.
He was subsequently charged with murder, robbery, violation of the uniform firearms act, and related offenses.
Further investigation revealed that approximately 12 hours before the shooting, Diluzio had allegedly robbed two acquaintances at gunpoint near Campbell Square Park, stealing cash and cell phones, and forcing one victim to strip down to his underwear. In response, a group, including Daniel Santiago, went to Diluzio's residence to retrieve the stolen items. Upon their arrival, Diluzio confronted them with a firearm. Witnesses reported that Santiago challenged the authenticity of the weapon, believing it to be non-functional, which led to the fatal shooting.
During legal proceedings, Diluzio's defense argued that he acted in self-defense, asserting that he remained on his porch while the group approached with the intent to confront him. The case proceeded through the judicial system, with the defense emphasizing the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
