A 25-year-old man was shot and killed while trying to protect his pregnant wife during a robbery.

Images: Husband Killed During Robbery

Two men, ages 18 and 20, are being held in the Cleveland Jail as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, a grieving wife needs help to give her husband a proper burial.

John Bozich and his wife Stephanie, a couple with special needs, faced many challenges. They lived at a transitional apartment building with supportive services and were on a journey to independent living, NewsChannel5’s Lorna Barrett reported.

“John and his wife were really doing a great job of moving their lives in the right direction and were looking forward to the birth of their son or daughter,” said Executive Director Susan Neth.

But their journey together ended at East 60th Street and Bonna Avenue. As the couple walked to a bus stop at about 8 p.m., they were approached by two men with guns who tried to rob them.

“It ended in John stepping in front of his wife at the point a gun was pulled and John was killed,” Neth said.

Stephanie, who was not injuried, was able to later identify the suspects.

The Bozichs didn’t have much money, which makes the crime even more senseless. The agency that helped them on their journey to a new beginning is asking for help in their tragic ending.

“I want our agency and the viewers to do whatever they can to help soften this somewhat,” Neth said. “To help the wife really feel like she can give her husband the last gift of a proper burial and to move forward with her child.”

Donations can be made to Stephanie Bozich, care of MHS, Inc., 1744 Payne Ave., Cleveland, 44114.