A Mastic Beach man has pleaded guilty for fatally shooting another man execution-style.
On May 20, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Joseph Scalafani ambushed Alex Smith, 32, and his ex-girlfriend as they exited a bar in Mastic Beach. Scalafani fired numerous shots at Smith, striking him multiple times in the back and torso.
While Smith was on the ground, Scalafani shot him again, twice in the head at close range. He then got into his vehicle and fled the scene, only to crash a short distance away and then flee on foot. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the murder, Scalafani fled New York with the help of his brother, Daniel Scalafani, 31, of Shirley, and friend Jeffrey Mercury, 62, of Mastic Beach. Daniel Scalafani and Mercury each provided money to the defendant to assist him in fleeing New York and then lied to law enforcement when asked about his whereabouts. Additionally, Mercury drove Joseph Scalafani down to Virginia and dropped him off to help him avoid getting arrested. On June 4, 2023, Joseph Scalafani was tracked down and arrested in Florida by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He was then extradited back to Suffolk County on July 6, 2023.
On December 20, 2023, Daniel Scalafani pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a Class D felony, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. Daniel Scalafani is due back in court on December 6, 2024. On February 1, 2024, Mercury pleaded guilty to the same charge. He is due back in court on November 21, 2024.
On November 12, 2024, Joseph Scalafani pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony. He is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He is due back in court on January 21, 2025.
“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 Ray Tierney. “In Suffolk County, playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.”