Derrike Martin "Bubble Gum" Roppolo, an 18-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Leechburg, PA, tragically died on February 10, 2015, at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights. He was born on April 28, 1996, in Monroeville, PA, to Martin Roppolo and Tracy Niel. Derrike was known for his love of hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
On the day of his death, Derrike was fatally shot during a drug-related robbery at his Basin Street apartment in Leechburg.
The incident occurred when 17-year-old Todd Johnson, along with an accomplice, attempted to steal marijuana from Derrike's apartment. Johnson, who was later tried as an adult, was convicted of second-degree homicide and sentenced to 35 years to life in prison. The court heard that Johnson had pointed a gun at Derrike and demanded his belongings before shooting him.
The case drew significant attention due to the age of the perpetrator and the tragic loss of a young life. Derrike's family, including his mother Tracy Niel and sister Sarah Niel, expressed their grief and sorrow during the trial, highlighting Derrike's kind and fun-loving nature. The Roppolo family has since struggled with the pain and anger caused by the senseless act.
The investigation into Derrike's death revealed that Johnson was 17 at the time of the shooting but was charged as an adult. The court proceedings also brought to light the challenges of sentencing juveniles under the 2012 Supreme Court decision that banned mandatory life sentences for minors. Despite the lesser sentence, Johnson expressed remorse and apologized to Derrike's family, hoping for their eventual forgiveness.
Derrike's untimely death left a lasting impact on his family and community, who continue to remember him fondly as a beloved son, brother, and friend.
