PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 19-year-old Philadelphia man, John Nusslein, has admitted to his role in a brutal series of carjackings that culminated in the death of one victim. Nusslein pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of carjacking resulting in death, and one count of carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The crimes unfolded over a month, between November and December of 2021, targeting food delivery drivers in Northeast Philadelphia. Nusslein, along with at least two other individuals, allegedly used a calculated ruse: placing fake food orders to lure drivers to specific locations where they could be ambushed. This wasn’t about stealing a car; it was a predatory hunt for vulnerable victims.
On December 2, 2021, the crew targeted C.C., a driver who arrived at an address on the 3000 block of Teesdale Street. Nusslein and his accomplices repeatedly struck C.C. before stealing his 2004 Toyota Camry. The attack proved fatal. C.C. succumbed to his injuries on December 21, 2021, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office determining the assault during the carjacking was the cause of death. Nusslein now faces significant consequences for his role in this senseless loss of life.
Just over a week later, on December 16, 2021, Nusslein and another accomplice struck again, this time on the 9000 block of Hilspach Street. They lured driver W.Z. with a bogus order, then held him at gunpoint, demanding money and inflicting injuries as they stole his 2015 Infiniti QX5. While W.Z. survived, he suffered serious bodily harm. The callous disregard for human life is chilling.
“The fact that these carjackers specifically lured two innocent people trying to make a living is despicable,” stated U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “That Nusslein and the others so brutally beat one driver that his injuries proved fatal is horrific. We and our partners on the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force simply won’t permit violent offenders like Nusslein to victimize people with impunity.”
Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division, emphasized the seriousness of the crime. “Carjacking is a serious federal crime with lengthy prison sentences. This case also demonstrates that carjacking is a deadly dangerous crime,” he said. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the ATF, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel added that the task force remains vigilant in investigating these crimes, promising continued dedication to public safety.
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