A man from Mastic Beach, New York, was charged on Tuesday for allegedly shooting a man in the execution manner in May. The suspect’s buddy and brother are also charged with obstructing justice.
The Long Island community’s 32-year-old Alex Smith was shot and killed in the parking lot of a pub, according to the indictment of Joseph Scalafani, 34, of Mastic Beach, which was made public on Tuesday by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
The suspect’s brother, Daniel Scalafani, 30, and acquaintance, Jeffrey Mercury, 61, were both charged with aiding in the murderer’s escape to Florida.
Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department discovered throughout the investigation that Joseph Scalafani broke the terms of a restraining order by requesting that Smith arrange a meeting for them on May 13, 2023, at 8 o’clock.
Scalafani allegedly took a revolver from his pocket while making the demand and warned his ex-girlfriend that he would beat her if she fled.
Smith and Scalafani’s ex-girlfriend were in Linsa Torr’s Place, a pub near Mastic Beach, a week later.
Scalafani allegedly approached the two as they left the pub and shot Smith numerous times in the back and torso.
Scalafani is accused of shooting Smith twice in the head at close range after he fell to the ground before hopping into his car and driving away.
Scalafani fled the scene on foot after his vehicle crashed not far away. Smith supposedly passed away there.
After the murder, Joseph allegedly received assistance from Mercury and Daniel Scalafani leaving New York.
After reportedly giving Scalafani money, both accused accomplices lied to police about the location of the suspect.
Mercury is also charged with picking up Scalafani from Virginia and returning him.
On June 4, Scalafani was detained by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Florida; on July 6, he was returned to Long Island for arraignment.
Scalafani was charged with second-degree murder on Tuesday as well as two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of first-degree criminal contempt, and one case of second-degree criminal contempt.
He was placed on remand, and his next court date is set for August 23, 2023.
“This defendant allegedly shot Alex Smith multiple times at close range, killing him,” Tierney said. “Then, the defendant’s brother and friend allegedly helped him flee the state in an attempt to avoid being caught. This defendant ran but could not hide. His eventual apprehension was only a matter of time.”
Mercury was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution on June 14 by Judge Karen M. Wilutis, and Daniel Scalafani was charged with the same crime on June 23 by Judge Steven A. Pilewski.
