Suffolk Reporter

Joseph Scalafani, a 34-year-old resident of Mastic Beach, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Alex Smith, aged 32, also from Mastic Beach. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the plea and stated that "today's guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed." Tierney emphasized that any role in attempting to flee from a homicide would face serious consequences.

The incident occurred on May 20, 2023, when Scalafani ambushed Smith and his ex-girlfriend as they left a bar in Mastic Beach. Scalafani shot Smith multiple times before delivering two fatal shots to the head at close range. After fleeing the scene by vehicle and then on foot following a crash, Smith was declared dead at the location.

Following the murder, Joseph Scalafani fled New York with assistance from his brother Daniel Scalafani and friend Jeffrey Mercury. Both accomplices have admitted to hindering prosecution by providing financial support for Joseph's escape and misleading law enforcement about his whereabouts. Mercury further assisted by driving Joseph to Virginia.

Authorities apprehended Joseph Scalafani in Florida on June 4, 2023. He was extradited back to Suffolk County on July 6, 2023.

Daniel Scalafani pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution on December 20, 2023. Represented by attorneys Peter J. Creedon and Jonathan Gill, he is scheduled for court appearance on December 6, 2024. Mercury entered his guilty plea for the same charge on February 1, 2024; he will appear in court again on November 21, 2024 with representation by Christopher Brocato.

Joseph Scalafani is set for sentencing on January 21, 2025 and faces an expected term of twenty years to life imprisonment under representation by Anthony LaPinta.

Assistant District Attorneys Elena Tomaro and Alexandra Guidarelli are prosecuting this case while Detectives Thomas M. Palumbo and Brendan O’Hara led the investigation from Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.