Seeking closure

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The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the March assault of a Passyunk Square man that lead to his death.

Joseph DeLeo, of 11th and Wharton streets, was rushed to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition after collapsing at a residence at 11th and Pierce streets at 7:38 p.m. March 2. A month later, the 38-year-old was pronounced dead due to a cerebral injury.

“I had received a call from my wife,” his brother John DeLeo, who was at work at the time, said. “When he came in, he just collapsed.”

The day before, John noticed scratches on his brother’s nose and forehead. “He looked like he was hurt, so I had asked him what had happened and he didn’t want to talk about it too much, so I pressed him and he shared that he was beaten up by fi ve people,” he said.

While he didn’t spill specifics, DeLeo said the group punched and kicked him while he was on the ground, John said.

At the hospital, the DeLeo family learned the assault resulted in the seizure that caused him to collapse. At the back right side of his skull, his brain was bleeding and swelling and he was in and out of consciousness. March 14, he had a stroke and was rushed into surgery.

“Ever since that, he made a turn for the worse,” his brother said. “He laid in there for two weeks until he passed.”

Police have determined the attack most likely occurred between Feb. 28 and noon March 1, when DeLeo saw his family, Detective Joseph McDermott of the Homicide Division said.

“It’s an open investigation, but it’s pretty stagnant right now because there are no new leads,” he said.

The family held a benefit for DeLeo in May at St. Nicholas of Tolentine, 910 Watkins St., raising $6,000, which the commission is offering as the reward.

DeLeo also is survived by his parents, Theresa and Joseph, and his younger sister, Jennifer Marasa.

To report information, call the commission’s tip line at 215-546-TIPS (8477).

Contact Staff Writer Amanda Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.

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