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Joseph Scalafani, age 34, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the death of Alex Smith.
Prosecutors said Scalafani ambushed the 32-year-old Smith and the man’s girlfriend as they exited a Mastic Beach bar on Neighborhood Road, at around 2 a.m. on May 20, 2023.
He fired numerous shots at Smith, striking him multiple times in his back and torso. While Smith was collapsed on the ground, Scalafani shot him twice in the head at close range, killing him.
Scalafani then got into his car and drove away from the scene before crashing a short distance away and fleeing on foot. He fled New York with the help of his 31-year-old brother, Daniel Scalafani, of Shirley, who drove him to Virginia.
Daniel Scalafani and a second man, 62-year-old Jeffrey Mercury, of Mastic Beach, also gave him money and lied to police when they asked about his whereabouts, prosecutors said.
Joseph Scalafani was arrested in Florida on June 4, 2023. He was extradited back to Suffolk County a month later. He is expected to get 20 years to life in prison when he’s sentenced in January 2025.
Daniel Scalafani and Mercury both pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution and are awaiting sentencing.
“Today’s guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed. Although it will not bring back Mr. Smith, the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raydmond Tierney.
“In Suffolk County, playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.”
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