Former TXST Football Player kidnapped at gunpoint in Houston

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

Former Texas State Football player Justin Iwuji, 31, was kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint by his roommate, Joshua N. DeLoach, 29, in Houston, Texas on May 8, 2022. DeLoach is still at large, and is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping in the 230th State District Court. The Houston Police Department released surveillance video of part of the altercation which can be viewed below.

Iwuji told officers he had recently asked DeLoach to move out of the residence. DeLoach then pointed a gun at Iwuji and forced him to open his personal safe. DeLoach took personal items and transferred currency from two mobile payment service accounts before forcing Iwuji into the rear cargo area of his own vehicle and binding his hands and feet.

“DeLoach eventually parked the vehicle several miles from the location and instructed him not to move. After several minutes, Iwuji managed to exit the vehicle and flagged down a witness for assistance,” Houston Police Department Major Assaults and Family Violence Division Sergeant V. Garcia and Detective D. Crandall reported. Iwuji escaped with minor injuries to his wrist.

In a post on Instagram, Iwuji shared details of the assault and said prior to the kidnapping, DeLoach pointed a gun at him and asked him to “state something along the lines of do you have any last words.”

Anyone with information in this case or on the whereabouts of DeLoach is urged to contact the HPD Major Assaults and Family Violence Division at (713)308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at (712)222-TIPS.